Varanasi airport firing: Injured screeners recall tense moments as passenger’s pistol went off— ‘It was loaded. Then…’
Varanasi Airport Firing: Passenger Pistol Wounds Two Screeners
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Varanasi airport firing incident on Sunday morning left two security-screening employees injured after a passenger's licensed handgun discharged unexpectedly during routine checks at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the man involved has been detained while investigators determine exactly how the accidental discharge occurred.
What Happened During Screening
According to ministry officials, the Varanasi airport firing unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. A traveller booked on Air India Express flight IX-1810 bound for Mumbai declared a 7.62 mm pistol accompanied by 21 live rounds at the check-in desk, as aviation regulations require. He was then escorted to the designated inspection zone where mandatory security screening of the firearm took place.
Accounts from the two injured screeners offer slightly different recollections of those final seconds before the trigger pulled.
"The passenger first removed the magazine and checked it. It was loaded. He then pressed the trigger downwards and the weapon fired. I sustained an injury near the last finger of my left hand and there is some swelling. I am currently at New Laxmi Hospital." — Rohit Raj, cargo screener
"The passenger said the weapon was unloaded and pressed the trigger to show us. The shot was fired while he was showing it to us. The bullet hit me in both legs, including the thigh." — Suman Kumari, screener
The discrepancy between the two accounts—whether the magazine had been removed beforehand or whether the passenger claimed the gun was unloaded—remains a focal point of the ongoing inquiry.
Injuries, Medical Response, and Investigation
Raj sustained a wound with swelling near the little finger of his left hand. Kumari was struck in both lower limbs, with one impact landing on her thigh. Both were rushed to New Lakshmi Trauma Centre for immediate treatment.
Officials identified the traveller as Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh. Airport Director Puneet Gupta stated that Rai was travelling with his wife at the time of the incident.
"…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." — Puneet Gupta, Airport Director
"During the inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally fired, injuring two AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited) screeners," Gupta added.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has opened a formal probe into whether standard protocols governing the handling and transport of licensed firearms at Indian airports were observed. The ministry stated that any further disciplinary or legal action will follow the findings of that inquiry.
Police Response and Operational Impact
Senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Gomti Zone and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), arrived at the airport promptly after being notified. Teams examined the scene, collected evidence connected to the discharge, and confirmed that legal proceedings were already in motion.
Airport operations continued without disruption. Authorities stressed that the situation was contained swiftly and that flight schedules remained unaffected following the brief commotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Varanasi airport firing take place?
The incident occurred at the designated firearm-inspection zone inside Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, during a routine pre-flight security screening.
How many people were injured?
Two AAICLAS cargo-screening employees—Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari—were wounded. Both received treatment at New Lakshmi Trauma Centre.
What type of weapon was involved?
A 7.62 mm pistol with 21 live rounds, declared by the passenger at check-in in accordance with aviation regulations for carrying licensed firearms on board.
Has the passenger been charged?
The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the man has been held by authorities. Legal proceedings were initiated promptly, though formal charges depend on the outcome of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security investigation.
Were flights disrupted?
No. Airport officials stated that operations resumed immediately and no flight schedules were affected by the brief commotion.