VARANASI, Aug 16: Two security screeners were injured at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport here on Sunday morning after a round was discharged from a passenger’s licensed firearm during a mandatory weapons inspection, airport authorities said.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am while the passenger, travelling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai, was undergoing the prescribed weapons-check procedure.
According to airport authorities, the passenger had declared the firearm before boarding. During its inspection by security personnel of Airport Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS), a round was discharged, injuring two screeners.
The injured personnel were immediately taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.
The airport director confirmed the incident and said local police had been informed. A joint investigation by police and aviation security officials is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the discharge and determine whether standard firearm-handling procedures were followed.
The identity of the passenger and other details of the firearm have not been disclosed so far.
