Panic at Kashi Vishwanath Dham After Accidental Fire From Jawan's Carbine Injures Three

VARANASI — A major scare gripped the high-security Kashi Vishwanath Temple area on Saturday morning after a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) jawan accidentally dropped his service weapon. The impact triggered a discharge of bullets into the ground, causing concrete fragments and shrapnel to strike three individuals nearby.

The incident took place near Gate No. 4B, commonly known as the Nandu Fariya (or Nandu Phera) Gate, adjacent to the VIP entrance route of the temple complex.

Misfire Triggers Splinter Injuries

The weapon belonged to a PAC personnel deployed at the high-security checkpoint. According to preliminary information from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal, the jawan's carbine accidentally slipped from his hand or shoulder strap, hitting the road surface hard.

Upon hitting the ground, the service carbine accidentally discharged two rounds into the pavement. Rather than striking anyone directly, the impact shattered the concrete road surface, causing stone chips, bullet pellets, and debris to scatter violently through the air.

Three local flower vendors standing in the immediate vicinity were hit by the flying fragments:

• Nikhil (Nikky) Gupta

• Ram Babu

• Vikas Yadav

The victims sustained minor shrapnel wounds to the hand, leg, and waist area.

Emergency Response and Calm Restored

The sudden sound of gunfire at one of the country's most prominent and heavily crowded pilgrimage destinations sparked immediate panic among hundreds of devotees standing in queue lines.

However, security forces on duty reacted instantly. On-site police personnel managed the crowd, brought the situation under control, and prevented any stampede-like situation. The injured trio was immediately rushed to the nearby SSPG Mandaliya Hospital at Kabir Chaura, where medical staff administered first aid. Doctors have confirmed that all three are in stable condition and their injuries are entirely non-life-threatening.

Scrutiny Over Weapon-Handling Protocols

Because the Kashi Vishwanath Dham remains under tight, round-the-clock surveillance due to heavy footfall and national security considerations, the accidental misfire has raised significant concern.

Senior administrative and police officials have launched an inquiry into the exact circumstances of the slip. Investigators will examine whether there was a failure in the weapon’s mechanical safety catch or a lapse in standard operating protocols regarding how loaded automatic firearms are slung by on-duty security forces in highly congested public zones.