In a tragic turn of events, the death toll from the explosions that rocked a Christian religious gathering near the port city of Kerala has risen to three. The most recent victim, a 12-year-old girl, succumbed to her injuries on Monday. The incident occurred during a prayer meeting at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, on the outskirts of Kochi, on October 29.
Source: The Tribune India
The regional spokesperson for the Jehovah’s Witnesses, TA Sreekumar, revealed that the suspected convict, Dominic Martin, was not a registered member of their group. Approximately 2,300 people attended the three-day event, but it remains uncertain whether Martin was present. Dominic Martin expressed his belief that the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses were “antinational” about six years ago. He also mentioned that he had attempted to engage with the group to change their views.
In response to the multiple explosions that claimed three lives and left several others injured during the prayer meeting in Kerala, Delhi and Mumbai were placed on high alert on October 29. A statement from the police indicated, “Delhi Police is on high alert after the blast in the convention centre in Kalamassery, Kerala, and special vigil is being maintained in crowded places.” Similar measures were taken to enhance security at churches across Delhi.
Kerala’s governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, condemned the blasts and expressed, “The way this blast has been used to disturb the congregation is absolutely condemnable. I am sure that the law enforcement agencies will act in a manner to prevent a repetition of such an act.”
Source: Al Jazeera
VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala assembly and a Congress leader, called for a serious police investigation into the incident. He urged everyone to refrain from spreading rumors and emphasized the importance of providing the best treatment to those admitted to hospitals.
Following the explosion on October 29, 17 individuals are currently battling burn injuries sustained during the religious gathering in Kalamassery, with 12 of them in intensive care units. Pinarayi Vijayan, who leads the Kerala government, has initiated a special 20-member team to investigate the blast and has called for an all-party meeting in response to the tragic incident. He described the events in Kalamassery as “very unfortunate.”
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his condolences and gratitude to the hospital staff during his visit to the Government Medical College, Kalamassery. He acknowledged that this is a challenging time for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. The Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement urging people not to engage in baseless accusations, speculation, or rumor-mongering, emphasizing the need for a responsible and fact-based approach.
Source: Hindustan Times
M V Govindan, the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), called the Kalamassery incident a very serious matter and urged a thorough investigation. He suggested that the incident should be taken seriously in the context of the worldwide expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Govindan stressed the importance of condemning such acts and avoiding preconceived notions during the investigation.
