A licensed firearm was accidentally discharged at Varanasi Airport in Uttar Pradesh today while security formalities were being carried out for a passenger scheduled to travel to Mumbai on an Air India Express flight.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said, the passenger had declared the firearm along with 21 live cartridges at the check-in counter, as required under the prescribed procedure. He was then escorted to the designated screening area for mandatory security checks. During handling and inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged. The projectile ricocheted and injured two screening personnel.
The Ministry said, both the injured personnel were immediately provided medical assistance and shifted to New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi for treatment. It added that the local police were informed promptly, and the passenger has been detained for investigation and further legal action.
It said that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is examining the circumstances leading to the incident, including compliance with prescribed procedures for the handling and carriage of licensed weapons at airports. The Ministry said that the incident was brought under control promptly, and airport operations are continuing normally.
