VARANASI: A licensed firearm belonging to Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai discharged accidentally during security screening at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday, injuring two airport screening staff. Rai, who was subsequently detained by the police, was released on bail on Monday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the incident occurred around 9:30 AM. Rai, a resident of Azamgarh district, was preparing to board an Air India Express flight to Mumbai. He had declared his licensed 7.62 mm pistol, along with 21 live cartridges, at the check-in counter as per standard procedure.
Following the declaration, Rai was escorted to the designated screening area to complete the mandatory security protocols. During the process of handling and inspection of the firearm, a round was accidentally fired. The projectile ricocheted, striking two screening staff members, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari, and causing them injuries. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the accidental discharge and the subsequent injuries.
According to preliminary investigations by the Phoolpur police, the magazine of the pistol reportedly came out while its details and the number of rounds were being recorded. However, a single round remained lodged in the chamber. It is believed that the weapon discharged when the trigger was accidentally pressed during the inspection.
The injured screening staff members are currently receiving treatment at the New Lakshmi Trauma Centre in Varanasi. The Gomti Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) stated that Kumari sustained an injury to her leg, while Raj was hit in the thumb.
The Phoolpur police station SHO, Rajeev Kumar Singh, confirmed that Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai was booked under sections 125(A) and 125(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others. As both sections under which Rai was charged are bailable offenses, he was released on bail from the police station on Monday.
The Chenab Times News Desk