2 weeks ago
Passenger's Pistol Accidentally Fires at Varanasi Airport, Two Injured
On a Sunday morning in August 2026, a man named Kamlesh Rai went to an airport in Varanasi, India, to fly to Mumbai with his wife.
He was carrying a licensed pistol, which means he had official permission to own the gun.
When travelers carry guns on airplanes, they must tell the airline and let security check the weapon.
While security workers were checking the pistol and its bullets, the gun went off by accident.
The bullet hit the floor first and then hurt two airport workers standing nearby.
One worker, a woman, was hurt on her leg, and another worker, a man, was hurt on his hand.
Both workers were taken to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.
Police and airport officials arrived to inspect the area and question the passenger.
The shooting appears to have been an accident, and an investigation is underway.
A licensed pistol carried by passenger Kamlesh Rai accidentally discharged during screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on the morning of August 16, 2026.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. as security staff inspected the weapon, its documents and ammunition; the bullet hit the ground before striking two AAICLAS screeners.
A female screener suffered a gunshot injury to her leg, while a male staffer was injured in the hand; both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre and were reported to be in stable condition.
Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX1810 and had declared the firearm as required by airport procedures.
Airport authorities and police, including senior Gomti Zone officials, are investigating how the weapon discharged; police said appropriate legal action is being taken.
- Who
- Kamlesh Rai, a passenger from Azamgarh district, and two AAICLAS screeners — a woman injured in the leg and a man injured in the hand — along with police and airport officials.
- What
- A licensed pistol being inspected during airport security screening accidentally discharged, injuring two staff members.
- Where
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- When
- Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m.
- Why
- The weapon discharged accidentally while security staff were inspecting the passenger's pistol, its documents and ammunition; authorities are investigating the circumstances.
Key facts
- Date
- August 16, 2026
- Time
- Around 9:30 a.m.
- Location
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Passenger
- Kamlesh Rai, resident of Azamgarh district
- Flight
- Air India Express IX1810 (Varanasi to Mumbai)
- Injured
- Two AAICLAS screeners (female, leg injury; male, hand injury)
- Treatment
- New Laxmi Trauma Centre
- Status of Injured
- Stable
Quotes
Senior police officer Neetu Kadyan
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Gomti Zone, Uttar Pradesh
“"Upon receiving information about the incident, senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), arrived at the scene. The site is being inspected, and appropriate legal action is being taken."”
NDTV
“Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway.”
businesstoday.in
Airport spokesperson
Official representative of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
“"Today, 16.08.2026, at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight. During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway."”
NDTV
Sources
Air India Passenger’s Licensed Pistol Accidentally Fires During Security Check, Injures Two Staffers At Varanasi Airport
2 injured as passenger's pistol goes off at Varanasi airport
Air India Express passenger's pistol goes off during weapons check at Varanasi airport, 2 staffers injured
Air India Express Flyer 'Accidentally' Fires At Varanasi Airport, 2 Injured
Air India Express passenger’s licensed pistol accidentally fires, injuring 2 ground staff
Pistol Goes Off During Screening at Varanasi Airport, Two Injured
2 injured as passenger’s pistol accidentally goes off during screening at Varanasi airport: Police
Pistol goes off at Varanasi airport during security check, two injured: Police - Telegraph India
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