One person was killed and at least 45 people were injured after a series of blasts took place at a Christian group’s convention centre in Kalamassery, Kerala. According to the state police, the blast at the Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering in Kalamassery was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). Central agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) had already started their investigation into the incident.
Here are top 10 developments in the Kochi Convention Hall blast case:
-One woman was killed and 45 persons were injured, including some critically injured, in multiple blasts at a Christian religious gathering in a convention centre at Kalamassery near Kochi, ADGP Law and Order M R Ajith Kumar said.
-The blasts occurred at an international convention centre in Kalamassery where thousands of members of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses had gathered for a prayer meeting on the concluding day of their three-day-long prayer meeting.
-“I was standing at the side of the hall, praying with my eyes closed. Suddenly, a shocking blast was heard from nearby. I saw only fire around and ran to the door along with others,” said an eye-witness to news agency PTI, wiping away tears.
-State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb said according to the preliminary probe, an improvised explosive device (IED) was used to carry out the blasts. He added that a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted.
-When asked about terror angle in the Kalamassery convention centre blast, Kerala DGP says it can be confirmed only after inquiry.
-Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan termed the incident as unfortunate and said that the police have taken it very seriously. He has called for an all-party meeting on Monday in the wake of blasts at a convention centre in Kochi, the CMO said.
-Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation following the blast. Teams of the anti-terror force National Security Guard (NSG) and anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) are being sent to Kerala.
-Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan wrote on X. “Shocked to hear about the blast at a religious gathering at #Kalamassery, Ernakulam district, Kerala, killing one person and injuring over 20. Heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.”
-A person named Dominic Martin turned up at Kodakara police station in Thrissur and claimed responsibility for the Kalamassery blasts, according to ADGP Ajith Kumar. The man, allegedly a member of Jehovah’s Witness, is being questioned to establish the veracity of his claims. He is in police custody.
-Security was beefed up around churches and at metro stations in Delhi in the wake of the Kerala convention centre blast.