VARANASI, India — Two people were injured at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning after a licensed pistol carried by an Air India Express passenger discharged during a security check, police and airport authorities said. The incident occurred while the firearm and its ammunition were being inspected before the passenger’s journey to Mumbai.
Key Highlights
- A licensed pistol discharged during a weapons check at Varanasi airport on August 16, 2026.
- A female security screener suffered a leg injury, while another person was injured on the thumb.
- The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Rai of Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX1810.
- Police reached the airport and began collecting details as an investigation was launched.
What happened during the Varanasi airport security check?
According to the statement issued by DCP Gomti Zone, Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, had arrived at the airport with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX1810 for Mumbai. Rai was carrying a licensed pistol that had been declared for the journey.
Police said the firearm discharged while the weapon and its ammunition were undergoing inspection. The bullet struck a female security staff member in the leg and another person nearby on the thumb.
Both injured people were taken to a private hospital for treatment. The airport later said the two injured individuals were AAICLAS screeners and had been taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre.
Police launch investigation into Varanasi airport firing
Senior police officers, including DCP Gomti Zone and ACP Pindra, reached the airport after receiving information about the incident. Officials inspected the location and began gathering details related to the firing.
“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 necessary details are being gathered. Appropriate legal action is being taken in the matter.”
The statement was attributed to senior police officer Neetu Kadyan. Police described the firing as accidental and said appropriate legal action was being taken.
Air India Express confirms incident during weapons check
The airport also confirmed that the passenger was travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai and had declared the weapon before travelling.
According to the airport’s statement, the incident took place at about 9:30 am when the passenger was undergoing the weapons check. Local police were informed and an investigation was underway.
Flight tracking data cited in the supplied report showed that flight IX1810 departed 14 minutes later than its scheduled departure time. It was not immediately clear from the available information whether Rai or his wife subsequently boarded the flight.
Rules for carrying firearms on flights
The supplied information states that firearms may be transported on a flight only after being completely unloaded and placed inside a locked, hard-sided container. The weapon must also be declared at the airline check-in counter along with the required licence, while ammunition must be stored separately.
For domestic flights, the stated allowance is one licensed revolver, pistol or shotgun along with up to 50 cartridges in registered baggage. The supplied material also states that a handling charge of about Rs 5,000, excluding taxes, applies per firearm and 50 cartridges on domestic flights.
What happens next?
Police are continuing to inspect the incident site and collect information. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the licensed firearm during the airport’s weapons screening process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Varanasi airport firing incident happen?
The incident occurred at about 9:30 am on August 16, 2026, during a weapons check at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
Who was injured in the airport firing?
A female security screener was injured in the leg and another person nearby suffered an injury to the thumb. Both were taken to a private hospital for treatment.
Source Attribution
This report is based solely on the supplied reports and statements from Varanasi police and the airport concerning the incident.
