By Agnibeena Ghosh
An explosion rocked a Christian prayer meeting in the southern Indian state of Kerala, leaving one person dead and at least 36 others injured. The incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, October 29th, as hundreds of faithful followers of the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination had gathered for prayer at a convention center in Kalamassery town, situated in Ernakulam district. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns over safety and security.
Kerala’s Director General of Police, Darvesh Saheb, provided preliminary details of the incident, stating, “At about 9:40 am, there was an explosion in the Zamra International Convention Centre in which one person died and 36 are undergoing treatment.” The authorities swiftly responded to the situation, and investigations are underway to ascertain the cause and culprits behind this horrifying incident. According to the preliminary findings, it was an improvised explosive device (IED) blast.
The aftermath of the explosion was captured on video by witnesses and shared on various social media platforms. These harrowing visuals displayed flames inside the building and courageous rescuers assisting people to evacuate. The shocking nature of the incident has left the community and the nation in mourning.
Director General Saheb further stated, “We are examining all angles and will find out who is behind this.” It is a somber reminder of the need to ensure the safety and security of religious gatherings, where people come to worship and find solace.
In a significant development, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order, MR Ajith Kumar, shared information during a news conference that a person named Dominic Martin had surrendered at a police station in Thrissur district, located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of the incident site. Dominic Martin claimed responsibility for the explosion, stating that he belonged to the same group or ‘sabha.’ This revelation has added a new dimension to the ongoing investigation, and law enforcement is diligently verifying the authenticity of these claims.
The tragedy has left the community in shock, and there are growing concerns about the safety of religious gatherings. The incident serves as a reminder that such gatherings need to be safeguarded, and security measures should be in place to protect the lives of worshipers.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination is known for its peaceful and inclusive approach to worship. Such incidents are unprecedented and have sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Kerala, who gather to pray, worship, and find spiritual comfort. The incident is a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and security measures at all religious events.
Local authorities and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to investigate the incident thoroughly. It is imperative to uncover the motives and identities of those responsible for this tragic event. Ensuring justice for the victims and their families is of utmost importance, and it is the duty of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
As the investigation continues, it is essential for the community to come together and support one another during these challenging times. The resilience and unity of the people in Kerala will undoubtedly shine through as they face this tragedy head-on.
The explosion at the Christian prayer meeting in Kerala has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation at large. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for security measures at religious gatherings and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of worshipers. As the investigation progresses, the community and authorities must work together to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 30th October 2023
