16 August,2026 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Authorities are examining the exact handling protocol followed during the inspection to determine whether the discharge was accidental or deliberate and if standard firearm carriage procedures were violated. Representational pic
Two security personnel were injured at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning after a Mumbai-bound passenger's licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a mandatory security screening, police and airport authorities said.
The incident occurred around 9.30 am when the passenger, identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, arrived at the airport with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. According to police, Rai was carrying a licensed pistol, which he had declared as required under aviation security guidelines for the carriage of firearms on domestic flights.
During the inspection of the firearm and its ammunition by security personnel, a round was accidentally discharged, injuring two people. A female security personnel was hit on the leg, while another person standing nearby sustained an injury to the thumb, police said.
Both injured persons were immediately taken to a private hospital, New Laxmi Trauma Centre, for treatment. Their exact medical condition was not immediately available, though authorities confirmed they were receiving medical attention.
Varanasi Airport Director confirmed the incident and stated that the passenger had declared the weapon before boarding the flight. In an official statement, the director said: "Today, 16.08.2026, at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight. During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed and an investigation is underway."
AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited) personnel were conducting the weapons inspection when the accidental discharge took place. Senior police officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), reached the airport soon after receiving information about the incident. The site is being inspected and further details are being gathered, police said.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge and the procedures followed while inspecting the firearm and ammunition.
"Appropriate legal action is being taken in the matter," police said.
Under existing aviation security rules in India, passengers are permitted to carry licensed firearms on domestic flights only after proper declaration at the airline check-in counter. The weapon must be unloaded, securely packed, and subjected to detailed inspection by security agencies before being allowed on board. The incident has prompted a review of the handling procedures during such checks.
Police are continuing their investigation into how the round was discharged and whether any lapse occurred during the screening process. Further details are awaited.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
