Passenger fires round during Varanasi airport weapons check, injures two

Two AAICLAS screeners were injured at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning after a round was discharged during a mandatory weapons inspection, airport authorities said.

The incident occurred at around 9:30 am ahead of Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. The passenger, who was travelling with his wife, had declared a licensed firearm before boarding.

During the inspection of the declared firearm by security personnel from the Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS), a round was fired, injuring two screeners on duty.


Both injured staff members were rushed to the nearby New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Details about the severity of their injuries have not been released.

The Varanasi Airport Director said the passenger had declared weapons on board the flight and that the round was fired during the weapons check.

Local police have been informed and an investigation is underway. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the discharge. The identities of the passenger and details of the firearm have not been disclosed.

(With ANI inputs)