Two airport staff members were injured after a pistol carried by an Air India Express passenger went off during a weapons check at Varanasi airport on Sunday morning.
The passenger, from Azamgarh, was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810. He had declared the pistol and magazine before boarding.
According to Sources quoted by report Varanasi Airport Director Puneet Gupta, the weapon and its documents were being verified when a round was fired. The bullet first struck the ground before hitting two AAICLAS screeners who were nearby.
A woman staffer suffered a gunshot injury to her thigh, while a male staff member was injured in the hand. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment.
The incident took place around 9:30 am on August 16. Airport authorities informed local police, and an investigation is underway.
“Today at about 0930 hrs, a passenger travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai declared weapons on board the flight. During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. Local police have been informed, and an investigation is underway,” the Varanasi Airport Director said.
