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‘He said it was unloaded’: 2 screeners recall Varanasi airport ‘accidental’ firing incident
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter7 days ago

‘He said it was unloaded’: 2 screeners recall Varanasi airport ‘accidental’ firing incident

At Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, a licensed pistol carried by passenger Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai accidentally discharged during a security screening process, injuring two cargo screeners, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari. According to the screeners, Rai claimed the gun was unloaded before pressing the trigger to demonstrate it, but the weapon fired, causing injuries to both individuals. The incident occurred when Rai, who had declared the firearm at check-in, was undergoing inspection for his licensed 7.62 mm pistol and 21 live cartridges. The bullet ricocheted and struck the screeners, though they are now reported to be out of danger. Airport authorities confirmed the incident and stated that the passenger was detained for further investigation. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is reviewing whether proper protocols were followed regarding the handling of licensed weapons at airports. The incident did not disrupt airport operations, and police have initiated their own probe.

A licensed pistol belonging to a passenger accidentally discharged during a weapons screening at Varanasi airport on Sunday, injuring two cargo screeners. The incident occurred around 9.30am at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport as the passenger, Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai, prepared to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai with his wife. Rai had declared the weapon, a 7.62 mm pistol containing 21 live cartridges, at the check-in counter prior to the flight. The weapon was being inspected by airport staff when it unexpectedly fired, resulting in injuries to two screeners employed by AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited). One of the injured screeners, identified as Rohit Raj from Bihar, recounted that the passenger first removed the magazine and checked the pistol before pressing the trigger. According to Raj, the bullet grazed his left-hand finger, causing swelling. "The passenger pressed the trigger downwards, and the weapon fired. I sustained an injury near the last finger of my left hand, and there is some swelling," Raj stated. He is currently receiving treatment at New Laxmi Hospital. The other injured screener, Suman Kumari, reported that the passenger claimed the weapon was unloaded before demonstrating it to them by pulling the trigger. "The passenger said the weapon was unloaded and pressed the trigger to show us. The shot was fired while he was showing it to us. The bullet hit me in both legs," Kumari said. Airport director Puneet Gupta confirmed that the passenger had declared the weapon in accordance with regulations and that the discharge occurred during the inspection process. "During the inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally fired, injuring two AAICLAS screeners," Gupta said. Both injured individuals were transported to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical care and are reportedly out of immediate danger. Gupta noted that the incident did not disrupt airport operations, which continued smoothly. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has initiated an inquiry into the incident to assess whether the prescribed procedures for handling and transporting licensed firearms were adhered to. Officials emphasized that the passenger had been properly escorted to a designated screening area separate from the general security hold used by other passengers. This area is specifically designed for the inspection of weapons and other restricted items. Despite these measures, the accidental discharge resulted in injuries to the screeners. Local police have been notified and are conducting an investigation into the incident. The passenger, who is currently in custody, is being questioned regarding the circumstances surrounding the accidental firing. An FIR has been filed against him under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to negligent acts causing harm. The passenger, a resident of Azamgarh, is known to be a regular traveler and has held a valid license for the weapon for an extended period. Authorities have indicated that the passenger bears responsibility for failing to ensure the weapon was fully cleared of ammunition before entering the airport premises. AAICLAS screeners play a crucial role in maintaining airport security by operating X-ray machines, metal detectors, and other advanced scanning equipment. Their responsibilities include identifying prohibited items and ensuring compliance with civil aviation security protocols. In this case, the screeners were performing their routine duties when the incident occurred. The injured staff members, who were stationed close to the inspection area, were caught in the path of the ricocheting bullet. One suffered an injury to the thigh, while the other sustained damage to the fingers. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the safety protocols surrounding the transportation of licensed firearms through airports. While the passenger had followed the necessary declaration procedures, the accidental discharge highlights potential gaps in the handling and inspection processes. The BCAS probe aims to determine whether additional safeguards should be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, the injured screeners continue to receive medical attention, and the ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the exact sequence of events leading to the discharge.

9 reports

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 957 days ago
BCAS probes accidental firing at Varanasi airport that injured 2 screeners: Govt

A passenger named Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai accidentally fired a licensed 7.62mm pistol during security checks at Varanasi Airport, injuring two screening personnel, Shri Rohit Raj and Ms Suman Kumari. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM when Rai declared the firearm at the check-in counter for his flight to Mumbai. He was escorted to a separate screening area for security procedures, but during the handling of the weapon, a bullet was discharged, causing injury. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is investigating the incident, focusing on whether proper protocols were followed for handling licensed firearms at airports. Both injured personnel received immediate medical attention at a local trauma center, and the passenger has been detained for further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that airport operations continued uninterrupted after the incident.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of an incident involving a licensed firearm at an airport, with no overt ideological framing or biased language. It reports on the actions of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and mentions the involvement of government authorities, but does not takea

Why factuality (98): This article accurately summarizes the incident, citing the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) investigating the event. It confirms the passenger's declaration of the weapon, the time of the incident, and the injuries sustained. All key facts align with other reports, making this one of the mo

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on the government's response and the procedural aspects of the incident. It avoids taking sides and sticks to reporting the facts as stated by the ministry. The only minor deviation is the inclusion of a caption suggesting the need to declare weapons, w

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 96Objective 937 days ago
Air India Express passenger's gun goes off at Varanasi airport, two injured; FIR lodged

A licensed pistol belonging to a passenger accidentally fired at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, injuring two AAICLAS screeners during a security check. The incident occurred on August 16, 2026, when the passenger, traveling from Azamgarh to Mumbai on flight IX-1810, declared the weapon for inspection. The gun discharged while being unloaded by the passenger, who was unaware it contained a single round. Both screeners received medical attention at New Laxmi Trauma Centre and are reported to be out of immediate danger. Local police have initiated an investigation, and an FIR has been filed. AAICLAS screeners are responsible for using advanced technology to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a security incident without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the procedural aspects of airport security and the consequences of the accidental discharge, without taking sides or emphasizing political agendas. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the

Why factuality (96): The article provides accurate details about the incident, including the passenger's claim that the gun was unloaded, the injuries sustained, and the involvement of the police. It aligns with other reports and includes direct quotes from the injured screeners. The only minor issue is the incomplete e

Why objectivity (93): The article is neutral in tone, quoting directly from the injured screeners and airport officials. It avoids taking sides or injecting personal opinion, maintaining a balanced and objective stance despite the truncated conclusion.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 907 days ago
‘He said it was unloaded’: 2 screeners recall Varanasi airport ‘accidental’ firing incident

At Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, a licensed pistol carried by passenger Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai accidentally discharged during a security screening process, injuring two cargo screeners, Rohit Raj and Suman Kumari. According to the screeners, Rai claimed the gun was unloaded before pressing the trigger to demonstrate it, but the weapon fired, causing injuries to both individuals. The incident occurred when Rai, who had declared the firearm at check-in, was undergoing inspection for his licensed 7.62 mm pistol and 21 live cartridges. The bullet ricocheted and struck the screeners, though they are now reported to be out of danger. Airport authorities confirmed the incident and stated that the passenger was detained for further investigation. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is reviewing whether proper protocols were followed regarding the handling of licensed weapons at airports. The incident did not disrupt airport operations, and police have initiated their own probe.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the incident, quoting directly from the injured screeners, the airport director, and the civil aviation ministry. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or selective sourcing. The focus is on the factual sequence of events and the actions

Why factuality (95): The article provides detailed accounts from the injured screeners, including specific details like the passenger removing the magazine, checking the pistol, and pressing the trigger. These statements align with other sources describing the incident. Minor discrepancies exist in naming (Suman Rani vs

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the account of the injured screeners without overt bias. It quotes directly from their statements and includes information from the airport director. The tone remains largely neutral, though the focus on the injured workers' perspectives may slightly skew the narrative toward th

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 927 days ago
‘He said it was unloaded’: Injured screeners recall Air India Express passenger's gun going off at Varanasi airport

A licensed pistol belonging to a passenger accidentally discharged at Varanasi airport, injuring two cargo screeners during security checks. The passenger claimed the weapon was unloaded, but it was later found to contain a single round, which he was reportedly unaware of. The incident occurred while the passenger was unloading the firearm, and both victims are receiving medical treatment. Authorities have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. The government has launched a probe into the incident through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a security incident without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It focuses on the procedural aspects of weapon declaration and the administrative response, maintaining neutrality in its framing.

Why factuality (94): The article accurately describes the incident, including the passenger's claim that the gun was unloaded and the injuries sustained. It aligns with other reports and includes direct quotes from the injured screeners. The mention of the passenger possibly pressing the trigger in 'anger and frustratio

Why objectivity (92): The article is mostly neutral but includes a speculative comment about the passenger's state of mind ('anger and frustration'), which introduces a subtle bias. Otherwise, it remains focused on the factual account and quotes from witnesses.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 947 days ago
Air India Express passenger's gun goes off at Varanasi airport, two staffers shot

A passenger aboard an Air India Express flight traveling from Varanasi to Mumbai accidentally discharged a pistol during a weapons check at the airport on August 16, 2026, injuring two airport staff members. The passenger, from Azamgarh, had declared the presence of the firearm and its magazine prior to boarding. The gun went off during the inspection process, with the bullet initially hitting the ground before striking the two screeners, a woman in the thigh and a man in the hand. Both individuals were treated at a local trauma center and are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on an incident involving law enforcement and airport security procedures, which could touch on public safety policies. However, the narrative remains strictly factual, focusing on the sequence of events, the actions of the involved parties, and the response by authorities. There

Why factuality (93): The article accurately recounts the incident, confirming the passenger's declaration of the weapon, the time of the event, and the injuries sustained. It includes direct quotes from the airport director and mentions the ongoing investigation. The details align with other reports, though it omits som

Why objectivity (94): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, focusing on the factual sequence of events and the response from airport officials. It avoids taking sides or using emotionally charged language, contributing to a balanced portrayal.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 887 days ago
AI Express flyer's pistol 'accidentally' goes off at Varanasi airport; 2 injured

Two security screeners were injured at Varanasi airport when a passenger's licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a weapons check. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when 55-year-old Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh, arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport with his wife to board an Air India Express flight. Rai had declared the weapon to airport authorities before the flight. The pistol fired accidentally while being inspected, injuring two screeners employed by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd. Both injured employees were treated at New Laxmi Trauma Centre and were reported to be in stable condition. Officials stated that the passenger had an all-India permit for the weapon and described the incident as a case of negligence on his part, noting that he was a regular flyer familiar with proper firearm handling procedures. An FIR has been filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligent acts resulting in injury.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of an accidental discharge of a licensed pistol during a security check, focusing on the incident itself rather than taking a partisan stance. It includes statements from both the airport authority and law enforcement officials, providing balanced information.

Why factuality (92): The article provides accurate details about the incident, including the names of the injured individuals, the time of occurrence, and the nature of the injuries. It mentions the passenger declaring the weapon and the airport director's comments. There is a slight discrepancy in the name of one of th

Why objectivity (88): The article is generally neutral but focuses more on the perspective of the injured screeners and the airport director. This focus may subtly emphasize the victims' experience over the broader procedural or regulatory implications, slightly affecting balance.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 927 days ago
Air India Express Flyer's Gun Goes Off At Varanasi Airport, 2 Security Staffers Injured

A passenger named Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai from Azamgarh was traveling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX1810 from Varanasi to Mumbai when his gun accidentally discharged at Varanasi airport, injuring two security personnel. The incident occurred during the boarding process, though specific details regarding the circumstances leading to the discharge were not provided in the available information. No further details about the condition of the injured staff members or any subsequent actions taken by authorities were included in the excerpt.

Bias read (Center): The event described does not involve political figures, parties, policies, or electoral processes. It is a safety incident involving a firearm at an airport, which falls under general news rather than politically charged content. There is no indication of bias in the framing or emphasis of the event

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the incident, providing the passenger's identity, the time of the event, and the outcome. It confirms the passenger had declared the weapon and that the injuries occurred during the inspection process. The details align closely with other reports, though it lacks som

Why objectivity (92): The article is neutral in tone, presenting the facts without editorializing or taking sides. It avoids emotional language and focuses on the sequence of events, maintaining a balanced approach.

The Print logoThe PrintIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days ago
Passenger’s pistol ‘accidentally discharged’ during screening at Varanasi airport; 2 injured

A passenger's pistol was reported to have 'accidentally discharged' during security screening at Varanasi airport, resulting in two injuries. The incident occurred while authorities were conducting routine checks, and the firearm was reportedly found in the passenger's possession. Officials confirmed the discharge was accidental, though details regarding how the weapon came into the passenger's possession remain unclear. The affected individuals received medical attention, and further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the incident as an accident without overtly emphasizing any political angle. It reports the event neutrally, focusing on the factual outcome and official responses. There is no clear ideological framing or emphasis on specific political groups or policies, which suggests a cent-

Why factuality (85): The article is brief and lacks specific details compared to others, but it accurately captures the core facts: a passenger's pistol accidentally discharged during screening, resulting in two injuries. It does not provide additional context beyond what is common across other reports, so it is somewha

Why objectivity (90): The article is concise and neutral in tone. It avoids any subjective commentary or framing that would suggest bias. The lack of detail doesn't affect neutrality, but it limits the depth of analysis.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 75Objective 657 days ago
'Flier Said Gun Not Loaded,' Recalls Varanasi Airport Staff. Then It Went Off

A passenger named Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh was traveling with his wife on Air India Express flight IX1810 to Mumbai. He claimed his pistol, a 7.62 mm weapon, was not loaded, but it later discharged. The incident occurred at Varanasi airport, raising concerns about firearm safety during travel.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a firearms incident without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity or ideology. It focuses on the event itself and does not frame the issue through a specific political lens.

Why factuality (75): The article reports that a passenger's gun went off at Varanasi airport, citing a staff member's recollection that the gun was not loaded. It mentions the passenger's name, origin, and details about the weapon and ammunition. While these details are specific, there is no independent verification or

Why objectivity (65): The article presents the incident in a somewhat sensational manner, using phrases like 'went off' and focusing on the potential danger. There is a lack of balance by not including perspectives from authorities or additional context about safety protocols. The tone leans toward dramatization rather t

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