Varanasi Airport Security Breach: Passenger's Declared Firearm Discharges Accidentally, Two Hurt
Public Lokpal
August 16, 2026
Varanasi Airport Security Breach: Passenger's Declared Firearm Discharges Accidentally, Two Hurt
An accidental discharge from a passenger’s licensed pistol at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi injured two security screeners during a pre-flight check.
Kamlesh Rai, a 55-year-old traveler from Azamgarh heading to Mumbai on an Air India Express flight, had correctly declared his firearm.
However, while AAICLAS personnel were inspecting the weapon and its ammunition, a live round unexpectedly went off. The resulting ricochet struck security screeners Suman Kumari in the leg and Rohit Raj in the hand.
Both victims were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility and remained in stable condition. Local police detained Rai for questioning, and senior law enforcement officials rushed to the scene.
Authorities registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligent acts causing hurt, prompting a joint security and police investigation.