---
title: "Pistol discharges during security check at Varanasi airport injuring two"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/varanasi-airport-gun-incident-aug-2026-jtajz
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-16T08:30:37.789Z
modified: 2026-08-16T10:00:08.691Z
language: en-IN
---

# Pistol discharges during security check at Varanasi airport injuring two

A licensed pistol carried by a passenger discharged during security screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, injuring a female security staffer and another person. Police and airport authorities said the incident is under investigation and legal action is being taken.

## Key takeaways

- A licensed pistol discharged during security checks at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.
- Two individuals were injured: a female security staffer and a bystander; both were hospitalized.
- Passenger identified as Kamlesh Rai from Azamgarh; traveling with his wife to Mumbai on IX1810.

## What Happened

The incident occurred at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday morning. A licensed pistol carried by a passenger discharged during the security screening process, injuring two individuals. One victim was a female security staffer who was struck in the leg, and the other was a bystander who was injured in the thumb. Both were taken to a private hospital for treatment. The passenger involved was identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, who had arrived with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX1810 to Mumbai.

Airport authorities and police stated that the weapon and its ammunition were inspected when the accidental firing occurred. Senior police officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pindra), arrived at the scene and said the site was being inspected and details were being gathered. Legal action was described as appropriate by the police.

## Why It Matters

The event highlights security screening risks when firearms are present in passengers’ baggage and the potential for accidental discharge during checks. The involvement of airport authorities and local police indicates ongoing investigation and potential legal consequences for the passenger and for security protocols at the facility.

## Key Facts

- Location: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
- Time: Sunday morning, August 16, 2026; incident noted at about 0930 hrs per one police statement
- Passenger: Kamlesh Rai, resident of Azamgarh district
- Flight: Air India Express IX1810 to Mumbai; Rai traveling with his wife
- Weapon: Licensed pistol carried by the passenger
- Injuries: Female security staffer hit in the leg; another person nearby hit on the thumb
- Treatment: Both injured taken to a private hospital / New Laxmi Trauma Centre (per source)
- Response: Police and airport authorities investigated; legal action described as appropriate

## What Happens Next

Authorities said the site was being inspected and details were being gathered; a formal legal action process was expected as part of the investigation. Further updates from police or the airport authority were anticipated as the inquiry proceeds.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/varanasi-airport-gun-incident-aug-2026-jtajz
Reported from: Multiple Sources