Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 29 OCT: In a shocking and tragic incident that unfolded during a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a series of explosions ripped through the Zamra International Convention Centre near Kochi, leaving one person dead and more than 50 individuals injured, six of them critically. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 am on Sunday morning, shattering the peaceful atmosphere of the convention.
The explosions were triggered by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), confirmed Kerala Police chief Dr. Shaik Darvesh Saheb. Witnesses recounted the horrifying incident, stating that the first blast originated from the middle of the convention hall, followed by two simultaneous explosions on either side. The attack occurred during a prayer session when attendees had their eyes closed, deepening the shock and chaos among the witnesses.
The deceased victim has been identified as a woman, while the injured, including a 12-year-old child, were swiftly transported to Kalamassery Medical College and Hospital. Health Minister Veena George disclosed that out of the 52 people taken to various hospitals, six remain in critical condition.
A 48-year-old man, Dominic Martin, claimed responsibility for the serial blasts and surrendered before the police in Thrissur. The motive behind this horrifying act remains unclear, raising concerns about the safety and security of religious gatherings in the state.
The convention, which began on October 27 and was set to conclude on Sunday at noon, had around 2,400 registered attendees, including women and children, from various places near Kochi. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting heightened security measures across the state.
In response to the tragedy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) to initiate a thorough inquiry. The Kochi Unit of the NIA has already commenced its investigation. Health Minister Veena George promptly mobilized the Burns Treatment Expert Team to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital, ensuring immediate medical assistance to the victims.
The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his condolences and termed the incident “extremely unfortunate.” He stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the blasts, promising that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The Central government is closely monitoring the situation, with the National Investigation Agency taking charge of the probe. The entire nation mourns the loss of life and prays for the swift recovery of the injured victims, while authorities work tirelessly to unravel the motives behind this heinous act.
Tags: #KeralaBlast #TerrorStrike #NIA #AmitShah #ZamraInternationalConventionCentre #Kochi
