2 Security Personnel Injured in Accidental Fire at Varanasi Airport

• Accidental firing occurred during security screening at Varanasi Airport.
• Two screening personnel sustained injuries and were hospitalised.
• Passenger carrying licensed firearm detained for investigation.
• BCAS launches inquiry; airport operations remain unaffected.

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 16th Aug: Two airport security screening personnel were injured after an accidental discharge of a licensed firearm during a routine security check at Varanasi Airport on Saturday morning, prompting an investigation by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. when Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, who was scheduled to travel from Varanasi to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810, declared his licensed 7.62 mm pistol along with 21 live cartridges at the airline check-in counter in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

The passenger was escorted to the designated security screening area for mandatory verification of the weapon. During the handling and inspection process, the firearm accidentally discharged. The bullet ricocheted, injuring two security screening personnel—Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari.

Both injured personnel were immediately provided medical assistance and shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center, Varanasi, for treatment.

Following the incident, local police were informed and the passenger was detained for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has initiated an inquiry to examine the circumstances leading to the accidental discharge, including whether all prescribed procedures for handling and transporting licensed firearms at airports were properly followed. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control quickly and that airport operations continued without any disruption.