Security Scare at Varanasi Airport: A standard security declaration turned chaotic at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning when a passenger’s licensed firearm accidentally discharged, leaving two security screeners injured.
Mishap During Routine Weapon Verification
Security Scare at Varanasi Airport: The incident occurred around 9:30 AM on August 16, 2026, ahead of Air India Express flight IX-1810 bound for Mumbai.
The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Rai from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, had followed standard airline protocol by declaring a licensed firearm for carriage.
However, as screeners from the AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company (AAICLAS) began verifying and inspecting the weapon, a live round was mistakenly fired.
Two Screeners Sustained Injuries
Security Scare at Varanasi Airport: The sudden discharge struck two staff members performing the mandatory check.
A female screener suffered a bullet injury to her foot, while a male colleague sustained an injury to his thumb.
Both employees were immediately rushed to the New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention.
Police Launch Investigation into Protocol Lapse
Security Scare at Varanasi Airport: Local police authorities were alerted to the terminal immediately following the gunfire.
While the weapon involved has been confirmed as legally licensed, investigators are examining how a loaded firearm was handled during the screening procedure and whether standard clearing protocols were breached.