Varanasi airport firing: Passenger's licensed pistol goes off during security check, 2 injured

The licensed pistol of a passenger went off during security screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning, leaving two cargo screeners injured, officials said.

The passenger was declaring the weapon for carriage on his flight when the round was accidentally fired during its inspection, airport authorities said. The two injured screeners were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Airport director Puneet Gupta said, "...at approximately 9.30 am, a passenger travelling to Mumbai on flight IX-1810 with his wife declared a weapon intended to be carried on the aircraft."

Two screeners injured in accidental firing

Gupta said the incident occurred while the weapon was being checked by security personnel.

"During the inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally fired, injuring two AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited) screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway," Gupta said in the statement.

According to a statement issued by the DCP, Gomti Zone, the passenger was identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district.

Police said Rai was carrying a licensed pistol when the accidental firing took place as the weapon and its ammunition were being inspected.

A female security personnel sustained an injury to her leg, while another person standing nearby was hit on the thumb. Both were taken to a private hospital for treatment, police said.

Senior officers reach airport

Following the incident, senior police officers reached the airport and began examining the circumstances surrounding the firing.

The deputy commissioner of police (Gomti Zone), assistant commissioner of police (Pindra) and other police officials visited the spot after receiving information about the incident.

Police said the area is being inspected and necessary details are being collected as part of the investigation.

Authorities have also initiated the required legal proceedings in connection with the incident. The exact circumstances surrounding the accidental firing are being examined by the police.