A series of bomb blast have sent shockwaves through the state of Kerala, India. These blasts occurred during a religious gathering hosted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in the town of Kalamassery on a fateful Sunday.
The Police of India has started investigating the incident. In this incident, three people died and more than 50 peoples injured.
Detainment of the Alleged Perpetrator onย Kerala bomb blast
In the the day of the explosions, a man emerged claiming responsibility for the horrific attacks in a video he posted on social media. And also he surrendered himself to the authorities. However, now, the Police is working diligently to verify the authenticity of his confession. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), MR Ajith Kumar, told reporters, ” He is in our custody. He also presented some peices of evidence we are veryfying. The investigation is at its preliminery stage.”
The Toll of Tragedy
The explosions have resulted in a devastating loss of life. Two people died, while a 12-year-old girl with burns covering 95% of her body tragically passed away on October 30, morning. This incident took place during a prayer session. Which was attended by over 2,000 followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses, gathering for a three-day event.
Preliminary Findings and the Confession of the Suspect
Senior police official Shaik Darvesh Saheb said a preliminary investigation indicate that the blast may have been triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed within a tiffin box. Shortly after the blast a man named Dominic Martin aged 48 said he carried the attack. He confession, came forward through a Facebook video which has since been removed claiming responsibility for the attack. After this Martin surrendered himself in at a nearby police station. He stated that he was citing grievances against the religious group’s “anti-national” teachings as his motivation for the assault.
Conflicting Statements
In contrast, TA Sreekumar, a regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, countered Martin’s claims, expressing uncertainty regarding his presence at the event.
Injuries and Immediate Response
On October 30 Kerala Health Minister, Veena George provided a grim update. The update is 17 individuals were admitted to various hospitals following the explosions. Among them, 12 are in intensive care. But four of these patients are in critical condition, with burns covering over 50-60% of their bodies.
Official Condemnation and Rigorous Investigation
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incident and announced the formation of a 20-member investigative team led by the additional director general of police. They are investigating the incident. He also said that an all-party meeting was convened to deliberate on the gravity of the blasts.
On 30th October he visited to the area where blast took place. In there, he met with the grieving relatives of Kumari and Leona Paulus. Also, checked in on those receiving treatment at the medical college, ensuring they get necessary care. The investigation is progressing efficiently.
Meanwhile after this incident, security has been tightened in India’s capital, Delhi. And also other major cities, such as Mumbai.
Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses is a religious movement known for its belief that traditional Christian churches have deviated from the teachings of the Bible. They also foresee the imminent end of the world. This group claims a worldwide following of approximately 8.7 million adherents. It is also recognized for its door-to-door evangelism efforts in Kerala.
Historical Context
In the year 1986, India’s Supreme Court upheld the stance of Jehovah’s Witnesses, ruling that their children could not be compelled to sing the national anthem in schools.The court concurred with the group’s argument that such an act would be against their conscience, constituting a form of idolatry and unfaithfulness to Jehovah.