Key Points
- Two airport security personnel injured after firearm accidentally discharged during inspection
- Passenger detained after licensed 7.62mm pistol fired during mandatory screening at Varanasi airport
- BCAS examining adherence to prescribed weapon handling procedures at airports
Two airport security personnel were injured on Saturday (16 August) after a licensed firearm accidentally discharged during mandatory screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, the civil aviation ministry said.
The incident occurred at approximately 9.30 am when Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, a passenger scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810, declared a licensed 7.62mm pistol with 21 live cartridges at the check-in counter. The passenger was escorted to a designated screening area for completion of security formalities, as required under standard protocol for passengers carrying licensed weapons.
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During the handling and inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged. The projectile ricocheted and caused injuries to two screening personnel, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari, according to the ministry statement.
Personnel hospitalised
Both injured personnel were immediately provided assistance and shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi for medical treatment. The ministry did not disclose the nature or severity of their injuries.
Local police were informed immediately and the passenger has been detained for investigation and further action in accordance with law, the statement said.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority responsible for civil aviation security standards in India, is examining the circumstances leading to the incident. The probe will focus on adherence to prescribed procedures for handling and carriage of licensed weapons at airports, the ministry confirmed.
Security protocols
Under existing regulations, passengers holding valid weapon licences may carry firearms on domestic flights subject to prior declaration and completion of security formalities. The weapon must be unloaded and declared at check-in, following which it is inspected by security personnel before being stored separately from the passenger during the flight.
The accidental discharge raises questions about the specific handling procedures followed during the inspection process. BCAS guidelines mandate that weapons be handled by trained personnel in designated areas with safety protocols designed to prevent such incidents.
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The ministry said appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. Airport operations at Varanasi are continuing without disruption, the statement added.
Your Questions, Answered
What happened at Varanasi airport on 16 August 2026?
A licensed 7.62mm pistol accidentally discharged during mandatory security screening, injuring two airport security personnel. The weapon belonged to a passenger who had declared it at check-in as required by protocol.
Who was injured in the Varanasi airport incident?
Two screening personnel, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari, were injured when a bullet ricocheted after the accidental discharge. Both were shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi for medical treatment.
What action is being taken after the Varanasi airport firearm incident?
The passenger has been detained for investigation. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is examining circumstances of the incident, including adherence to prescribed weapon handling procedures at airports.
Are passengers allowed to carry licensed firearms at Indian airports?
Yes, passengers with valid weapon licences may carry firearms on domestic flights subject to prior declaration at check-in, completion of security formalities, and the weapon being stored separately during the flight.