# Passenger’s pistol accidentally fires at Varanasi airport, two injured

2026-08-16T09:03:45+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

A licensed pistol carried by an Air India Express passenger accidentally discharged during security screening at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday, injuring two screeners. The passenger, Kamlesh Rai from Azamgarh, was travelling to Mumbai with his wife and had declared the weapon, police said. The incident occurred around 9:30 am while the pistol and its ammunition were being inspected. A female AAICLAS screener was hit in the leg, and another person sustained a thumb injury. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre. The passenger had a valid All India Permit licence for the weapon, authorities said. Senior officers, including DCP Gomti Zone and ACP Pindra, reached the spot. Police from Phulpur station are investigating. An airport official said the matter has been handed over to local police and legal action is underway.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/air-india-express-passenger-carrying-weapon-fires-round-at-varanasi-airport-injures-2-during-check/articleshow/133270962.cms>
- news.abplive.com <https://news.abplive.com/cities/varanasi-airport-firing-passenger-gun-goes-off-two-screeners-injured-investigation-underway-1862324>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/two-injured-as-passengers-pistol-accidentally-goes-off-during-security-screening-at-varanasi-airport-4112971>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources. Last updated 2026-08-16T09:22:03+00:00.

Tags: Air India Express, Kamlesh Rai, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
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