NEW DELHI: Two security officials were injured at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday (Aug 16) after a bullet was accidentally fired from a passenger’s licensed pistol during a mandatory security inspection.
The incident happened at around 9.30am when Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, a resident of Azamgarh, arrived at the airport with his wife. The couple was scheduled to travel to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810.
Passenger declared licensed pistol at check-in
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rai followed the required procedure and declared that he was carrying a licensed firearm at the airline’s check-in counter.
The weapon was a 7.62 mm pistol, and the passenger had 21 live cartridges with him. After declaring the firearm, he was taken to the designated screening area so that the mandatory security checks could be completed.
It was during the handling and inspection of the weapon that the pistol accidentally discharged.
Bullet ricocheted and injured two officials
The bullet did not directly hit the passenger or anyone accompanying him. Instead, the projectile ricocheted and injured two screening personnel, identified as Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari.
The two officials were given immediate medical assistance and taken to New Lakshmi Trauma Centre in Varanasi for treatment.
The local police were also informed soon after the incident. The passenger was detained and an investigation was started.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the matter is being examined and that further action will be taken according to law.
BCAS examining how the gun was handled
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is looking into the circumstances that led to the accidental firing.
The examination will include checking whether the prescribed procedures for handling and carrying licensed firearms at airports were properly followed.
The ministry said appropriate action would be taken after the findings of the inquiry are available.
Despite the incident, the situation at the airport was brought under control quickly. Airport operations continued without disruption.
Rules for carrying licensed firearms on flights
Indian aviation rules allow passengers to carry licensed firearms on flights, but the process is subject to strict security requirements.
Passengers carrying a firearm must declare the weapon and ammunition at the airline’s check-in counter. They are also required to carry the necessary licence and other supporting documents.
The firearm must be unloaded and packed separately from its ammunition. Ammunition cannot be carried loose. It has to be properly packed and secured to ensure that it does not create a safety risk. - The Statesman/ANN
