A accidental gunshot at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport has injured two security screeners.
During a routine security check on Sunday, August 16, 2026, a passenger’s licensed firearm discharged inside the airport premises. The traveler, arriving from Azamgarh alongside his wife, was preparing to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 bound for Mumbai. Before entering the departure area, he properly declared that he was carrying a pistol and a magazine, prompting airport officials to conduct standard protocols to check the weapon and verify its accompanying documentation.
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According to Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, the firearm discharged unexpectedly at approximately 9:30 AM while both the passenger and airport security personnel were handling the verification process. The bullet struck the ground first before ricocheting toward nearby staff members from the AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited).
The stray bullet caused injuries to two screeners: a female staff member was struck in the thigh, while a male employee sustained a gunshot wound to his hand. Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and both injured workers were transported to the nearby New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention. Officials confirmed that both staff members are currently in stable condition and receiving necessary care.
Local authorities were alerted following the discharge. Police have initiated a full investigation into the incident to determine whether the discharge was caused by a mechanical failure or improper handling during the inspection process.
