---
title: "Gun discharges at Varanasi airport injuring two, passenger from Azamgarh"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/varanasi-airport-gun-incident-ke5gd
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-16T07:32:50.195Z
modified: 2026-08-16T09:30:07.779Z
language: en-IN
---

# Gun discharges at Varanasi airport injuring two, passenger from Azamgarh

An Air India Express passenger’s pistol discharged during a weapons check at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, injuring two AAICLAS staffers. The incident occurred around 9:30 am on August 16, 2026; both injured were stable and receiving treatment.

## Key takeaways

- A firearm discharged during a weapons verification at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, injuring two screening staffers.
- The passenger involved is from Azamgarh and was travelling with his wife to Mumbai on Air India Express IX1810, having declared the weapon beforehand.
- Local police have taken up the investigation and the injured staffers are in stable condition while receiving treatment.

## What Happened

The incident occurred at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, during a weapons verification of a pistol and magazine carried by an Air India Express passenger traveling to Mumbai on flight IX1810. The firearm discharged accidentally while being inspected, injuring two airport security staffers (one female, one male). The bullet first struck the ground before hitting the two screeners, who were standing nearby. Both injured personnel were taken to a private hospital for treatment and were reported to be in stable condition. The passenger who carried the weapon is identified as a resident of Azamgarh, travelling with his wife, and had declared the weapon before boarding.

Local police were informed, and the incident is under investigation. Airport authorities and the Varanasi Airport Director confirmed the events and the disposition of the injured staffers. The gun and its documents were being checked at the time of the incident.

## Why It Matters

The episode highlights risks associated with weapons verification procedures at major travel hubs and the potential for accidental discharges to affect airport security personnel. The case has prompted police involvement and ongoing investigation to determine how the weapon discharged during the verification process and to verify handling protocols at the time of the incident.

## Background

The passenger involved was travelling with his wife on flight IX-1810 to Mumbai and had reportedly declared the pistol and magazine prior to boarding. The two injured screeners were linked to AAICLAS, the cargo and screening unit referenced in initial reports.

## Key Facts

- Location: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
- Date and time: August 16, 2026, around 9:30 am local time
- Injuries: one female staffer with a thigh injury; one male staffer with a hand injury
- Injured personnel: AAICLAS screeners
- Passenger: from Azamgarh, travelling with wife to Mumbai on Air India Express IX1810
- Weapon: pistol with magazine; weapon and documents were being checked during verification
- Response: injured staffers sent to New Laxmi Trauma Centre; police informed; investigation underway

## What Happens Next

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and handling of the firearm during the verification process. Further details will be released by the local police and airport authorities as inquiries progress.

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/varanasi-airport-gun-incident-ke5gd
Reported from: Multiple Sources