Varanasi : Two airport screening personnel were injured after a licensed 7.62 mm pistol accidentally discharged during the mandatory security inspection of a passenger’s firearm at Varanasi airport on Sunday.
According to officials, the incident occurred at around 9:30 AM when Shri Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, who was scheduled to travel from Varanasi to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810, declared his licensed firearm at the check-in counter as required under the prescribed procedure.
The passenger was subsequently escorted to the designated screening area to complete the mandatory security formalities. During the handling and inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged.
The projectile reportedly ricocheted and injured two screening personnel, identified as Shri Rohit Raj and Ms Suman Kumari.
Both injured personnel were immediately provided assistance and shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center, Varanasi, for medical treatment.
Following the incident, the local police were informed, and the passenger was detained for investigation and further legal action.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the prescribed procedures for the handling and carriage of licensed firearms at airports were followed.
Officials said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
The incident was brought under control promptly, and airport operations continued without disruption.