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Varanasi Airport: Two injured after passenger's pistol discharges during security check
Two security personnel were injured at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning after a passenger's licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a security screening. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM while officials were inspecting the weapon and its ammunition for a passenger, Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, who was traveling to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810.
The projectile reportedly ricocheted after hitting the ground, striking AAICLAS screener Suman Kumari in the thigh and another staff member, Rohit Raj, in the hand. Both victims were transported to the New Lakshmi Trauma Centre and are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have detained the passenger for investigation. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has launched a formal inquiry to examine the circumstances of the discharge and ensure adherence to prescribed safety protocols for handling licensed firearms at airports. While the incident caused temporary panic in the terminal, airport operations continued without disruption.
Entities
AAICLAS · Air India · Air India Express · Bureau of Civil Aviation Security · Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai · Kamlesh Rai · Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport · New Lakshmi Trauma Center · Varanasi Police
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The passenger was traveling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. www.news18.com · odishabytes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A passenger fired a round during a weapons check, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. www.news18.com · odishabytes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The two injured screeners were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. www.news18.com · odishabytes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The passenger has been detained and an investigation by police and airport authorities has been launched. odishabytes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 am on August 16, 2026. www.news18.com · odishabytes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The passenger claims the discharge of the firearm was accidental. odishabytes.com