New Delhi: Panic briefly gripped Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning when a licenced pistol discharged during the screening of a passenger’s declared firearm, leaving two security personnel injured. The incident occurred around 9.30am as the passenger was preparing to travel to Mumbai on an Air India Express flight.
The passenger, Kamlesh Rai from Azamgarh, had arrived at the airport with his wife to board flight IX1810. According to the airport authorities, Rai had declared the weapon for carriage, but it fired a round while the firearm and its ammunition were being checked by security personnel.
The discharge injured two security screeners, with one sustaining an injury to the leg and the other being hit on the thumb. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for medical treatment, while local police were informed and senior officers reached the airport to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firing.
DCP Gomti zone Neetu Kadyan and ACP Pindra were among the officers who reached the airport following the incident. Police inspected the site, began gathering details and said appropriate legal action would be taken after establishing how the weapon discharged during the security check.
In a statement, the airport said the passenger had declared the weapon on board and confirmed that the firing occurred during the weapons check. It said both injured screeners were taken for treatment and that an investigation was underway.
Flight-tracking data showed Air India Express flight IX1810 eventually departed for Mumbai around 14 minutes after its scheduled time. It was not immediately clear whether Rai or his wife were permitted to board the flight after the incident.
DCP Neetu Kadyan also issued a statement on the incident, confirming that police officials had reached the airport and were examining the matter.
Under the rules for domestic air travel, licenced firearms can be carried subject to prescribed conditions, including declaration to the airline, valid licensing documents and secure transportation. A passenger is permitted to carry one licenced revolver, pistol or shotgun along with up to 50 cartridges in registered baggage, subject to applicable procedures and charges.