Public safety incident

Two security officials were injured at Varanasi airport on Sunday after a round was accidentally fired from a licensed pistol during the inspection of a passenger’s weapon. The incident has raised questions about the rules for carrying licensed firearms and ammunition on flights in India.The incident took place at around 9:30 am at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport when Kamlesh Rai, a resident of Azamgarh, arrived with his wife to board Air India Express flight IX-1810 to Mumbai. Rai had reportedly declared the licensed pistol for carriage on the During the inspection of the firearm and counting of the rounds, one round accidentally went off. The bullet hit an AAICLAS screener in the leg and another person standing nearby in the thumb.Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment. It remains unclear how the gun was accidentally fired.
Can Passengers Carry Licensed Guns On Flights?
Indian aviation rules do allow passengers to carry certain licensed firearms and ammunition on flights, but only after meeting strict conditions.Passengers cannot carry firearms or ammunition on their person or in cabin baggage. They have to declare the weapon and ammunition at the airline’s check-in counter and carry the required licence and other documents.The firearm must be unloaded and packed separately from the ammunition. Ammunition cannot be carried loose and must be packed properly and secured to prevent it from becoming a source of danger.Air India Express, for instance, allows a bona fide passenger to carry one licensed revolver, pistol or shotgun and cartridges within the permitted quantity in checked baggage, subject to applicable safety and security requirements. The airline’s current terms also set a maximum gross weight of 5 kg for such carriage.The airline says passengers must first declare the firearm orally and then make a written declaration at the appropriate stage of the check-in and baggage screening process. A valid firearm licence or authorisation and other relevant documents must also be produced for verification.
What Happens To The Weapon At The Airport?
A licensed firearm cannot simply be carried to the aircraft cabin after being declared. It must go through the prescribed checking and security process and be placed in checked baggage.Airlines can also impose their own handling requirements and charges. Air India Express currently lists a firearm and ammunition handling charge and says its weapons policy may differ from that of other airlines.There are exemptions for certain categories, including serving defence, paramilitary and police personnel travelling on official duty, subject to the required documents. Sportspersons travelling for competitions can also be subject to separate provisions.