A tragic incident unfolded at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala, during the final day of a three-day zonal conference hosted by the Christian sect Jehovah’s Witnesses. The event, which gathered nearly 2,500 people, witnessed two explosions that claimed three lives and injured 52 others. In the aftermath of this terrible incident, we share the following information:
- Casualties: The toll from the blasts at the event has risen to three with the unfortunate passing of a 12-year-old girl from the Ernakulam district, who had suffered 95% burns and was on ventilator support. The victims have been identified as Leona (55) and Kumari (53).
- Perpetrator Surrender: Following the blasts, a man named Dominic Martin surrendered to the police, claiming responsibility for the explosions. In a live social media video, he expressed his grievances with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, stating that he believed their teachings were “anti-national and seditious.” Mr. Martin mentioned that he had asked them to stop “promoting” hatred and sedition but claimed that they did not heed his warnings.
- Security Response: Authorities across the country were alerted, leading to the swift arrival of teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard. The explosions occurred around 9:30 a.m., filling the convention center with smoke. Survivors reported a chaotic scene as the blasts occurred during the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ annual event, marked by prayers, talks, and symposiums with the theme for this year being “patience.”
- Injured: Among the injured, 17 were admitted to intensive care units, with the 12-year-old girl in critical condition.
- Preliminary Findings: A preliminary probe into the blasts indicated the use of timer-based low-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs). An NIA team is expected to take over the investigation, and a forensic examination will provide further details regarding the type of explosive used. Notably, the IED was placed near an oil container to intensify the fire.
This unfortunate incident has left the nation in shock, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We urge everyone to remain calm and patient as the authorities work diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragedy.
