Varanasi airport accidental pistol discharge injures two

On August 16, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM, a passenger identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, was undergoing security screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi, India. Rai, traveling with his wife on Air India — Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai, declared a licensed pistol. During the inspection of the weapon and its ammunition, a round was accidentally discharged, injuring two screeners employed by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS). A female screener was hit in the leg, and a male screener sustained a thumb injury. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police, including senior officers from India — Uttar Pradesh, arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. The incident is being treated as accidental, and appropriate legal action is being taken. The exact circumstances leading to the discharge are under investigation.