Two AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited) screeners were injured after a passenger’s licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a security inspection at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. when the passenger, a resident of Azamgarh, and his wife were preparing to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. The passenger had declared that he was carrying a licensed firearm, which was being inspected in accordance with airport security procedures when the accidental firing took place.

According to airport officials, the discharged bullet injured a male screener in the hand and a female screener above the knee. Both were immediately shifted to New Laxmi Trauma Centre, where they are undergoing treatment. Airport Director Puneet Gupta confirmed that the weapon had been declared by the passenger before check-in and stated that the accidental discharge occurred during the inspection process. Officials said both injured staff members are out of danger, while local police have begun an investigation into the incident.

Preliminary information suggests that the firearm was loaded with a live round, which the passenger reportedly claimed he was unaware of. The accidental discharge occurred while the weapon was being unloaded in the designated security hold area. AAICLAS personnel are responsible for screening passenger baggage and detecting prohibited items using X-ray scanners, metal detectors and other security equipment to ensure compliance with civil aviation safety regulations. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether any safety protocols were violated.