Passenger fires round at Varanasi airport, two hurt

On Sunday morning, a passenger at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi discharged a round during a mandatory weapons inspection, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 am, prior to Air India Express flight IX-1810 heading to Mumbai. The passenger, accompanied by his wife, had previously declared a licensed firearm before boarding the flight.

Security personnel from the Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS) were conducting the inspection of the declared firearm when the round was unintentionally fired. Both screeners were promptly taken to the New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention, though the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

The Varanasi Airport Director confirmed that the passenger had declared the weapon on board the flight. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and examining the details of the firearm. The identities of the passenger and the firearm have not been released at this time. Local police have also been notified as the case progresses.