Kerala Kochi Convention Centre Blast Highlights: One person died and over 20 were injured in a blast at a Sunday prayer convention of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kalamassery near Kochi on Sunday morning, reports The Indian Express. The incident happened at Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering at Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre at Kalamassery. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the incident “unfortunate”.
Disturbing visuals of the blast inside the convention centre showed multiple fires inside the hall as people were screaming in fear.
Kerala Kochi blasts Live: One person died and over 20 were injured in a series of blast during at Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering at Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre at Kalamassery.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor demanded swift police action into the incident.
"To see my state falling prey to the mentality of killing and destruction is tragic. I urge all religious leaders to unite in condemning such barbarism and teaching their followers that violence achieves nothing but more violence," he said in a post on X.
On explosion at the Convention Centre in Kalamassery, Kerala Minister P Rajeev says, "Police are conducting the investigation…we can only reach some conclusions after a thorough investigation. 6 people are currently in critical condition, total 18 are admitted in the ICU. Efforts are underway to save the lives of all the injured. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has called an all-party meeting tomorrow…everyone must refrain from fake social media campaigns…Kerala always faces such situations with unity…"
One man, claiming to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered before police in Thrissur district of the state, claiming responsibility for the multiple blasts at the Christian religious gathering at Kalamassery on Sunday morning, police said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan calls for an all-party meeting. An all-party meeting will be held tomorrow at 10 AM at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall in the Secretariat: CMO (ANI)
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan says, "Shocked to hear about the blast at a religious gathering at Kalamassery, killing one person and injuring over 20. Heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured: PRO, Kerala Raj Bhavan. (ANI)
An 8-member National Security Guard (NSG) team, including an officer, is on the way to Kerala to inquire about the bomb explosion. The team is expected to reach the bomb blast site by this evening, reports ANI.
On being asked whether it was a terror attack, Kerala DGP said he cannot say anything at this stage.
"Only after the investigation can I confirm the details. We are examining all the angles. We will find out who is behind this and will take stringent action against them," the DGP said. (PTI)
Kerala DGP asks public not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media and warned of stringent action for doing so.
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Alphons KJ says, "...There were multiple blasts apparently... The situation is extremely critical...I have been warning for a long time that in Kerala, both left and right, is supporting terrorism...This has been happening in Kerala for a very long time...Today Kerala is in the grip of terrorism. This has to stop..." (ANI)
Delhi Police has said that it is on high alert after the blast in the convention centre, in Kalamassery, Kerala and Special vigil is being kept in crowded places.
The Special Cell is in constant touch with the intelligence agencies and any input will not be taken lightly. Security arrangements are being made at the crowded place. (ANI)
Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb says an SIT will be constituted today itself.
Kerala DGP says that the blast at convention centre in Kalamassery was due to an IED, according to preliminary probe. An SIT will be constituted to investigate the blast at the Kalamassery convention centre.
National Security Guard (NSG) has rushed one of its bomb disposal units from Delhi to Kerala to collect and inquire about the materials used in the Kalamassery explosion.
Visuals of the aftermath from Zamra convention centre in Kalamassery.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation in the state after a bomb explosion took place at a convention centre. He also instructed the NIA and the NSG to reach on the spot and start an inquiry into the incident. (ANI)
Kerala LoP and state Congress President VD Satheesan says, "I was told that there were two blasts and there was a fire. First, there was a major blast. The second one was minor. One lady died and 25 persons are in the hospital. Out of 25, 6 persons are in the ICU unit. Around 2,000 people (were present)..." (ANI)
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty following blast.
Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev said that the blast site has been cordoned off and police and fire rescue have been pressed into service, reports PTI.
Terming the incident as "unfortunate", Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "We are collecting details regarding the incident. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. We need to get more details after the investigation," he said, as quoted by ANI.
One person died and over 20 were injured in a blast at a Sunday prayer convention of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kalamassery near Kochi on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses told reporters the blasts happened in the middle of the convention centre. The first blast among the many explosions occurred around 9.30 AM minutes after the day’s prayer session began. “The blast took place five minutes after the prayer session started. There was a series of blasts from the stage of the convention hall, which had around 2,000 people. The three-day convention began on Friday and was slated to be over on Sunday,” an eyewitness told the media, as quoted by IE.