VARANASI, INDIA — According to Indian media reports, two AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS) security screeners were injured on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, when a licensed firearm carried by an Air India Express passenger accidentally discharged at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.

The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, had arrived at the airport with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 bound for Mumbai. Following standard civil aviation protocol, Rai declared his licensed 7.62 mm pistol and 21 live cartridges at the airline's check-in counter for transport.

He was subsequently escorted to a designated, segregated area in the security hold for mandatory inspection. During the handling process, a round discharged from the pistol.

  • Injuries: Screener Suman Kumari sustained gunshot injuries above her leg/knee, while screener Rohit Raj suffered an injury to the thumb of his left hand. Both personnel were promptly transported to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.
  • Statements: According to the injured screeners, the passenger claimed the weapon was completely unloaded. However, a chambered round discharged while the firearm was being inspected and handled.

Official Investigation Launched

Local police, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), responded to the scene. Law enforcement authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident, and Rai was detained for further questioning.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have initiated a formal inquiry to evaluate how the weapon was handled during the screening procedure and whether established safety protocols for the carriage of declared personal firearms were strictly adhered to.