Two AAICLAS screeners were injured after a passenger's licensed pistol accidentally went off during a security check at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday, officials said.
The passenger, a resident of Azamgarh, had arrived at the airport with his wife to board the Mumbai-bound Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had declared the weapon for carriage on the aircraft and was being screened separately in the security hold area.
According to airport officials, the pistol suddenly discharged while it was being inspected by the security personnel. Two AAICLAS screeners were injured in the incident. The male security staffer suffered an injury to his hand, while the female staff member was injured above her knee.
Varanasi airport director Puneet Gupta said the incident occurred at around 9.30 am when a round was accidentally discharged during the inspection of the declared weapon.
Both injured screeners were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment and are reportedly out of danger.
People aware of the incident said the passenger had declared his ammunition and the firearm was being checked separately. During the screening, the pistol was found to be loaded with a single round, which the passenger allegedly said he was unaware of. The incident occurred while the weapon was being unloaded.
Local police have been informed and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge.
AAICLAS screeners are responsible for inspecting passenger baggage and freight using X-ray machines, metal detectors and other screening technologies. They alert airport authorities and security forces when weapons or other unauthorised items are detected.
The incident has prompted scrutiny of firearm-handling procedures during airport security checks, even as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances that led to the discharge.
Speaking to news agency PTI, one of the screeners, identified as Rohit Raj from Bihar, said he sustained an injury on the last finger of his left hand.
"The passenger pressed the trigger downwards, and the weapon fired. I sustained an injury on the last finger of my left hand, and there is some swelling. I am currently at New Laxmi Hospital," Raj said.He said the passenger claimed the gun was unloaded, and he genuinely might not have been aware of the bullet in the chamber. However, it may have been possible that he pressed the trigger in "anger and frustration", the victim said.
The other injured screener, identified as Suman Kumari, also said the passenger claimed the gun was unloaded.
"The passenger said the weapon was unloaded and pressed the trigger to show us. The shot was fired while he was showing it to us. The bullet hit me in both legs," she told the news agency.People aware of the matter said the male security personnel was injured in his hand, while the female staff member was injured above her knee.
An FIR has been registered in the case.
In a statement, airport director Puneet Gupta said, "Today, on August 16, 2026, at approximately 9.30am, a passenger was to travel to Mumbai on flight IX-1810 with his wife. He declared a weapon intended to be carried on the aircraft."
VIDEO | Varanasi: Injured cargo screener Rohit Raj, recalling the accidental firing of a passenger's pistol during screening at Varanasi airport, says, "The passenger first removed the magazine and checked it. It was loaded. He then pressed the trigger downwards and the weapon… pic.twitter.com/wmJiGRNKjt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 16, 2026
Gupta added, "During the inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. They are undergoing treatment at the hospital."
He added that local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway. Both the AAICLAS screeners are said to be out of danger.
