Explosions at Kerala Prayer Meeting

Kill 3, Injure 58

In Kochi, Kerala, there were three explosions during a gathering of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian group with about 2,000 people. Unfortunately, two women lost their lives, and 58 others were injured. Initially, people thought it might be a terror attack, but later, it was found to be the work of someone who used to be a member of the group and was unhappy.

A person named Dominic Martin from Kochi planted homemade bombs at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre. These bombs went off during a prayer session at 9:35 am. The convention center was being used for a three-day Jehovah's Witnesses event that started on Friday.

Survivors at the event heard three explosions in rapid succession. The first explosion was powerful, followed by two smaller ones. Marcel, who was attending from Varapuzha, recounted finding a woman on the floor, on fire after the first explosion. He attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire-safety hose, but sadly, she passed away shortly afterward. As of late Sunday, the woman's identity had not been determined.

The second victim, Kumari, who suffered 90% burns, sadly passed away in the hospital. She was 53 years old and from Thodupuzha. Additionally, five injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition. CCTV footage captured the chaotic scene after the explosions, with children and elderly individuals rushing out of the hall while furniture burned. Some people attempted to put out the flames. Throughout the day, the investigation made little progress, and the police urged the public not to spread rumors or speculation about a potential terror attack on social media platforms during the religious gathering.

In the evening, the suspect, Martin, turned himself in to the police in Thrissur, 68 kilometers away from the incident. He was brought back to Kalamassery for questioning. In a video, Martin admitted to planting the explosives because he believed the teachings of the religious group he once belonged to were against society and the nation.

The suspect, Martin, provided evidence supporting his claim, which the police are examining. Kerala's Police Chief confirmed that homemade bombs (IEDs) were used. Martin has been charged under the law, and security teams checked public places in the state to make sure there were no more potential attacks.

To assist the families of the injured, a control room was established at the Ernakulam district collectorate.

Doctors from Thrissur and Kottayam medical colleges were deployed to Kalamassery hospitals where the injured are being treated. A 14-member medical board has been formed to oversee their treatment.