Guard’s gun goes off at cargo bay, creates panic

Security officials went into a tizzy after a double-barrel gun accidentally went off inside the cargo terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport last week. The gun belonged to a cash van security guard who had come to refill an ATM at the terminal. The guard was arrested and later released on bail.

The incident created havoc as those around fled thinking it was a security breach. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel took control of the situation after ascertaining, almost immediately, that it was a case of accidental firing. Officials said that no one was injured. The left door window of the van was broken.

Airport sources said the incident was reported on March 11. “He came to refill the ATM around noon. He was checked by the private security at the terminal and he had his papers on him. As soon as he entered the premises, the gun went off,” an official said. The CISF has repeatedly been seeking control of security at the terminal which is presently looked after jointly by CISF and private agencies.