BCAS probes accidental firing at Varanasi airport that injured 2 screeners: Govt

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is investigating an accidental discharge of a bullet at Varanasi airport, which injured two security personnel, according to the government. On a morning in early September, passenger Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai attempted to board an Air India Express flight from Varanasi to Mumbai. Rai had declared a licensed firearm—a 7.62mm pistol with 21 live cartridges—to comply with regulations requiring passengers to declare any weapons.

Due to the nature of his declaration, Rai was escorted to a separate screening area for security procedures. During this handling and inspection, an accidental discharge occurred, causing the projectile to ricochet and injure two screening staff members, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that both personnel received immediate medical attention and were transferred to the New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi.

Authorities promptly informed local police, who detained Rai for investigation, in line with the law. Airport operations resumed without interruption after the incident, which was swiftly contained. The BCAS is currently probing the incident to ensure compliance with procedures for handling and carrying licensed weapons at airports, with appropriate action to be taken based on the findings.