Passenger’s pistol goes off during security screening at Varanasi airport; two injured

Varanasi: A licensed pistol carried by a passenger accidentally went off during security screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning, injuring two people, including a female security staff member.

Both injured persons were taken to a private hospital for treatment, according to a statement issued by DCP Gomti Zone.

The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district, had arrived at the airport with his wife to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX1810. He was carrying a licensed pistol.

According to police, the accidental firing occurred while the weapon and its ammunition were being inspected as part of the security check.

A female security personnel sustained a gunshot injury to her leg, while another person standing nearby was hit on the thumb. 

Following the incident, senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), along with other police personnel, reached the airport.

Police said the spot is being inspected and further details are being gathered. Necessary legal action is also being taken in connection with the incident.

With PTI inputs