Varanasi Airport: Air India Passenger's Pistol Fires, Injures 2

A disturbing incident occurred at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, when a passenger's licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a security check, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. The incident took place around 9:30 a.m. during a routine inspection of the passenger's weapon, documents, and ammunition.

The passenger, identified as 55-year-old Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh, had declared the firearm and magazine as required for air travel. However, during the verification process, a round was accidentally fired, striking the ground before hitting two AAICLAS employees. One of the injured staffers, a woman, sustained an injury to her thigh or leg, while a male employee was injured in his hand or thumb.

Rai was travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. He was carrying the licensed pistol after declaring it for carriage as required under airport procedures. The injured AAICLAS employees were immediately taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical treatment.

Local police were informed following the incident, and the passenger was detained and questioned as officials began examining how the weapon discharged during the security check. Airport Director Puneet Gupta confirmed details of the incident, stating that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge.

The investigation will examine the sequence of events and the procedures followed during the weapon inspection. While initial reports have described the firing as accidental, officials are working to determine the exact cause of the incident. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

The incident highlights the importance of strict security protocols and the need for careful handling of firearms at airports. The safety of passengers and airport staff is of utmost importance, and such incidents can have serious consequences.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the safety and security of Indian airports. This incident will likely lead to a review of security procedures and protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident is a reminder that even with strict security measures in place, accidents can still occur. It is essential for airport authorities and security personnel to be vigilant and follow procedures carefully to minimize the risk of such incidents.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the incident. The safety and security of airports are a top priority, and such incidents will be thoroughly investigated to prevent them from happening again.

In conclusion, the accidental discharge of a passenger's licensed pistol at Varanasi airport highlights the need for strict security protocols and careful handling of firearms. The incident is a reminder of the importance of safety and security at airports, and it will likely lead to a review of security procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.