Two security officials were injured on Sunday morning after a round was accidentally fired from a licensed pistol during a weapons check at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, a city in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, officials said, according to the Indian Express.

The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time when a passenger travelling to Mumbai on Air India Express flight IX-1810 arrived at the airport with his wife.

The passenger, identified as Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, had declared a licensed weapon for carriage on the flight, sources said. In India, passengers may carry licensed firearms on domestic flights under certain conditions, provided they declare the weapon and airport security inspects it before check-in.

During the inspection of the firearm and the counting of its rounds, one round accidentally discharged, according to sources. The firing injured two screeners employed by AAICLAS, the security arm of the Airports Authority of India, which manages passenger and baggage screening at airports across the country.

The bullet struck one screener in the leg and hit another person standing nearby in the thumb. Both injured individuals were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment.

Local police were informed following the incident, and an investigation is underway. Senior police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Gomti Zone and the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Pindra, arrived at the airport and inspected the site.

Police said they are taking necessary legal action in the matter.

Source: Indian Express