Gunshot Fired at Varanasi Airport, 2 Employees Injured During Pistol Inspection

A major incident was reported from Varanasi on Sunday morning after a gunshot was accidentally fired during a security procedure at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur. The incident occurred when a passenger travelling to Mumbai arrived to deposit and have his licensed pistol inspected as required under airport procedures.

According to preliminary information, the passenger was travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 from Varanasi to Mumbai. Airport authorities said the passenger had declared the firearm that he intended to carry on the flight. During the inspection of the weapon, one round was suddenly discharged.

The gunshot briefly caused panic inside the terminal. Security personnel immediately brought the situation under control and the injured employees were taken to hospital for treatment.

Gun Discharged During Weapon Inspection

According to preliminary information from the airport authorities, the incident occurred at around 9:30 am on Sunday. The passenger travelling on Air India Express flight IX-1810 had already declared his firearm.

The weapon was then being inspected as part of the airport’s prescribed security procedure.

During the process, one round was suddenly fired from the pistol. Different preliminary reports have provided varying accounts of exactly how the discharge occurred. Some reports have suggested that the trigger was pressed while the magazine was being removed, while the airport authority’s initial information describes it simply as a discharge during the inspection of the weapon.

The exact cause will only become clear after the investigation is completed.

Two AAICLAS Employees Injured

Two AAICLAS screeners involved in airport security procedures were injured in the accidental discharge.

According to preliminary information, one female employee suffered an injury to her leg or thigh, while the other employee was reportedly shot in the hand.

Both injured employees were immediately taken to New Lakshmi Trauma Centre for treatment. According to the available information, they are currently receiving medical care. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about their medical condition.

Who Was the Passenger and Where Was He Travelling?

According to preliminary police information, the passenger has been identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh. He had arrived at Varanasi Airport with his wife and was scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810.

The passenger possessed a licensed pistol and had declared the firearm for the flight.

This means the weapon had been presented for inspection and handling under the prescribed airport security procedure. The investigation will now determine how the firearm discharged during that process.

Police and Security Agencies Become Active After Incident

Airport security agencies immediately became active after the gunshot was reported. Local police were also informed about the incident.

Senior police officials reached the airport and began collecting information about what had happened.

The main focus of the investigation is now to establish the circumstances under which the weapon discharged during inspection. Authorities are also examining whether the prescribed safety protocols were properly followed while handling the firearm.

Police and other relevant agencies are questioning the passenger and examining all aspects of the incident.

What Did the Airport Authority Say?

According to information provided by Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, a passenger travelling to Mumbai on Sunday morning had declared his firearm.

At around 9:30 am, one round was suddenly discharged while the weapon was being inspected. Two AAICLAS screeners were injured as a result.

According to the airport authority, both injured employees were taken to New Lakshmi Trauma Centre for treatment and the local police were informed.

The investigation remains underway.

Questions Raised About Airport Security

The incident at Varanasi Airport has raised questions about the safety procedures used for inspecting and handling firearms at airports. However, it would be premature to describe the incident as a major security lapse because investigators are still determining exactly how the discharge occurred.

There is a separate procedure for passengers travelling with licensed firearms, and passengers are required to declare their weapons to the relevant authorities. In this case, officials have stated that the passenger had declared the firearm.

The investigation is now focused on how the weapon discharged despite being part of the declared-firearm inspection process.

What Was the Impact on Passengers?

The incident occurred inside the airport terminal, briefly creating a chaotic situation. However, available preliminary reports have not confirmed any major disruption to overall airport operations.

The discharge of a firearm belonging to a passenger travelling to Mumbai once again highlights the sensitive nature of airport security procedures involving weapons. Even a small lapse while handling a firearm can have serious consequences.

Full Truth Will Emerge After Investigation

The investigation into the firing at Varanasi Airport is currently underway. Police and airport security agencies are examining the circumstances surrounding the discharge, the condition of the firearm, and the procedures followed during the security inspection.

The most important question remains: How did the licensed pistol suddenly discharge during the inspection?

The answer will become clear only after the investigation is completed.

For now, the two injured airport employees are undergoing treatment. Police are taking further legal action, and the next steps will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Key Highlights

• A gunshot was fired at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.

• The incident occurred at around 9:30 am on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

• The passenger was scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810.

• The passenger possessed a licensed pistol and had declared the firearm.

• One round was suddenly discharged during the weapon inspection.

• Two AAICLAS screeners were injured.

• Both injured employees were taken to New Lakshmi Trauma Centre.

• Police and airport security agencies are investigating the incident.

• The exact cause of the discharge will be established after the investigation.

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1. Main terminal of Varanasi Airport: A clear, high-resolution photograph of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur, with sufficient empty space for a news headline.

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5. Mumbai flight reference: A representative combination of the Varanasi Airport terminal and an Air India Express aircraft.