New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- A licensed firearm carried by a passenger discharged accidentally during security checks at Varanasi airport on Sunday morning, injuring two screening staff, officials said. The passenger, who was booked on an Air India Express flight to Mumbai, has been detained as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

An injured cargo screener said the passenger initially removed the magazine from his licensed pistol and checked the weapon before pressing the trigger, which caused it to fire, according to PTI. Another screener said the passenger had claimed the gun was unloaded and pulled the trigger while demonstrating it to the staff.

The two personnel were injured...