Shashi Tharoor Expresses Shock and Dismay as Twin Blasts Rattle Kerala Prayer Gathering

In response to the distressing twin explosions that occurred at a convention center in Kerala, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor strongly denounced the incident on Sunday. He called for prompt police action while expressing his profound shock and dismay over his state becoming a target of violence and destruction. Tharoor, the Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized the need for unity among religious leaders in condemning such acts of barbarism and teaching their followers that violence only begets more violence. His official statement on the matter was posted from his official social media account.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in response to the blast. The Union Home Minister also directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) to immediately deploy teams to the site to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident.

Tragedy struck at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Kerala’s Kalamassery, Ernakulam district, during a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witness believers, resulting in one fatality and leaving several individuals in critical condition. The explosions occurred around 9:30 am, interrupting a regional meeting attended by approximately 2,000 people.

Following the incident, the Home Minister promptly directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) to deploy their specialized teams to initiate an investigation. Kerala Chief Minister expressed his deep concern and emphasized the seriousness with which the state government is approaching the matter. He assured that all necessary steps are being taken to collect details and investigate the incident further.

Kerala’s Leader of Opposition and the Congress state president, VD Satheesan, shared that there were two blasts, the first being major and followed by a minor explosion, resulting in one fatality and 25 individuals requiring medical attention. Six of the injured were admitted to the ICU, while others were treated at Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery and private healthcare facilities. The entire incident has left the community in shock and distress, as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.