At least one person was killed and more than 45 people injured in a fire that broke out inside a large convention centre at Kalamassery near Kochi after a series of blasts inside the hall in morning.
Hours after the blasts, a 48-year-old man claimed responsibility and has surrendered. The suspect, Dominic Martin, has claimed that he belongs to the same Christian denomination that organised the prayer meet.
The prayer meeting at the Zamra International Convention Centre was organised by Jehovah's Witnesses, a restorationist Christian denomination, which has a growing number of followers in Kerala.
There were around 2,000 people inside the hall. The injured, including a child, have been admitted to a private hospital near the blast site. The condition of five of them are reported to be serious. All of them have sustained burn injuries, according to initial reports.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the blast as ‘unfortunate'. He said that the situation is being viewed seriously.
Blast due to an IED: Kerala DGP
The blast at the convention centre in Kalamassery was due to an IED, according to preliminary probe, said the Kerala DGP. The police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation, he added.
He also warned the public against spreading provocative or hateful messages on social media and promised stringent action against those who did so.
Amit Shah speaks to CM Vijayan
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Mr. Vijayan and took stock of the situation. He has also directed the National Security Guard (NSG) and the anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to send teams to Kerala to assist the State Government for investigation.
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