VARANASI- Two airport security personnel were injured after a licensed firearm accidentally discharged during passenger screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Varanasi on Sunday. The incident involved an Air India Express (IX) passenger who was preparing to travel to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM).
The passenger had declared the licensed weapon before boarding Air India Express (IX) Flight IX1810, as required under aviation regulations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the firearm discharged while it was being inspected during mandatory security screening, prompting investigations by local police and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Accidental Firearm Discharge During Airport Screening
According to officials, the passenger was identified as Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, a resident of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. He was travelling with his wife on Air India Express Flight IX1810 from Varanasi to Mumbai.
The passenger had declared a licensed 7.62 mm pistol along with 21 live cartridges before security screening. As per standard airport procedures, he was escorted to a designated screening area where security personnel carried out mandatory verification of the firearm and related documents.
During the inspection, a live round was accidentally discharged from the pistol.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the projectile ricocheted after the discharge and injured two airport screening personnel identified as Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari.
Airport authorities immediately responded to the incident and arranged medical assistance for both injured staff members. They were transported to New Laxmi Trauma Centre, where they received treatment.
Police later confirmed that the female security staff member suffered a leg injury, while the second screener sustained an injury to the thumb, NDTV reported.
Passenger Detained as BCAS Opens Investigation
Following the incident, airport officials informed local police, who detained the passenger for questioning.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has initiated an investigation into the incident. The inquiry will examine whether all prescribed procedures for the handling and transportation of licensed firearms at airports were followed.
Authorities stated that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), visited the airport to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Senior police officer Neetu Kadyan stated that investigators are gathering all necessary information before proceeding with appropriate legal action.
Airport Operations Continued Normally
Despite the accidental discharge, airport operations were not significantly affected.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the incident was quickly contained and normal airport operations continued without disruption.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport also issued an official statement confirming that the passenger had declared the weapon before travel. During the mandatory weapon verification process, a round was accidentally fired, injuring two AAICLAS security screeners.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed that Air India Express Flight IX1810 departed Varanasi approximately 14 minutes behind its scheduled departure time.
No other passengers or airport personnel were reported injured.
Rules for Carrying Firearms on Commercial Flights
Indian aviation regulations permit passengers to transport licensed firearms on commercial flights, provided strict procedures are followed.
Passengers must declare the firearm during airline check-in and present valid firearm licences and supporting documents. The firearm must be completely unloaded and packed inside a locked, hard-sided container in checked baggage.
Ammunition must be stored separately in accordance with airline and BCAS regulations.
Under current domestic rules, passengers may carry one licensed revolver, pistol, or shotgun along with up to 50 cartridges in registered baggage after paying the applicable handling charges. Airlines also require advance declaration and documentation before accepting firearms for transport.
The BCAS investigation is expected to determine whether all handling procedures were correctly followed during the inspection that preceded the accidental discharge.
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