Man surrenders before Kerala police; takes responsibility of blasts

A man has surrendered to the Kerala Police regarding the series of blasts that occurred at a prayer meeting in Kalamassery on Sunday morning, as reported by Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar.

The individual identified as Dominic Martin claimed to be associated with the same group conducting the meeting. Kerala ADGP MR Ajith Kumar stated, “One person has surrendered at Kodakra Police Station in Thrissur Rural, claiming responsibility. His name is Dominic Martin, and he alleges affiliation with the same group of the gathering. We are currently verifying his claims and investigating all aspects of the case.”

He further revealed that the explosion resulted in approximately 45 injuries and one fatality, with five individuals in serious condition. The deceased person, suspected to be a woman, succumbed to burn injuries, and several others sustained burn injuries.

One person died, and multiple individuals were injured during the explosions that occurred at a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Kalamassery area of Kochi district around 9:00 am. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences over the unfortunate incident, stating, “It’s a very, very unfortunate incident.”

The state DGP confirmed the occurrence of two explosions and informed that 36 injured individuals were receiving treatment in various district hospitals. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, with preliminary findings suggesting the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to trigger the blasts.

In response to this incident, Kerala police issued a warning against the spread of fake news on social media platforms that could promote communal hatred, emphasizing that strict action would be taken against offenders.

Meanwhile, an eight-member National Security Guard (NSG) team, including an officer, is en route to Kerala to investigate the bomb explosion. The team is expected to arrive at the blast site later today.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the phone, taking stock of the situation in the state.

The first explosion occurred around 9 am, and over 2,000 people were attending the prayer meeting when the blasts transpired.