Varanasi: Two airport security personnel were injured after a licensed pistol carried by a passenger was discharged during a mandatory weapons inspection at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday.
The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai from Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX1810. The incident was promptly contained and airport operations continued without disruption.
Weapon discharges during security check
According to officials, the passenger had declared the firearm and was taken to the designated screening area for the required security formalities.
During the inspection, a round was discharged from the licensed pistol. The projectile reportedly ricocheted and injured two screening personnel, identified as Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari.
Both injured staff members were taken to a private hospital for treatment. Police were informed and Rai was detained while authorities began investigating the circumstances of the incident.
Passenger’s account under investigation
Suman Kumari told PTI that the passenger said the weapon was unloaded and pressed the trigger while demonstrating it. Rohit Raj said the passenger had removed the magazine but subsequently pressed the trigger, causing the weapon to fire.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is investigating whether prescribed procedures for handling and transporting licensed firearms were followed.
The incident has also prompted renewed attention to the strict procedures governing firearms at airports. Air India Express states that licensed firearms may be transported in checked baggage only after declaration at check-in and compliance with applicable safety and security requirements.
Flight leaves after brief delay
Police officials inspected the site and gathered evidence as part of the investigation. Flight tracking data indicated that IX1810 departed around 14 minutes after its scheduled time.
Authorities said further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful handling of firearms during airport security procedures, even when weapons are legally licensed and declared.