VARANASI: Two airport screening personnel were injured after a licensed pistol accidentally discharged during mandatory security checks at Varanasi airport on Sunday, officials said.
The incident occurred around 9.30am when passenger Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, who was scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX 1810, declared a licensed 7.62mm pistol and 21 live cartridges at the check-in counter.
Rai was subsequently escorted to the designated screening area for security formalities. During the handling and inspection of the firearm, a round was accidentally discharged, officials said.
The projectile reportedly ricocheted and injured two screening personnel, identified as Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari. Both were provided immediate medical assistance and taken to New Lakshmi Trauma Center in Varanasi for treatment.
Police were informed shortly after the incident, and the passenger was detained for questioning and further legal action.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has begun examining the circumstances surrounding the discharge, including whether prescribed procedures for handling and transporting licensed firearms at airports were followed.
Officials said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
The incident was brought under control promptly, and airport operations continued without disruption, according to authorities.