Bomb Blast at Jehovah’s Witnesses Prayer Meeting in Kerala Kills Three
Thiruvananthapuram: The prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses took a tragic turn on the 27th as a series of bombs exploded in the Jamra International Conference Center in Kalamachery, Ernakulam District, Kerala. The incident occurred on the 3rd day of the meeting, causing panic among the more than 2 thousand attendees and resulting in the death of three individuals.
During the prayer, successive explosions rocked the conference center hall, leading to a fire that engulfed the prayer center. Witnesses recall the horror and chaos as participants screamed and fled the scene in fear. One woman, identified as Leona Poulos (45) from Iringol, lost her life instantly in the blast. Additionally, over 50 people sustained serious injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to Kalamachery Government Hospital and local private hospitals for medical treatment. Tragically, two more individuals succumbed to their injuries, including a woman named Kumari (53) and a 12-year-old girl named Lipina from the Thotupuzha area of Idukki district.
The death toll from the blast has risen to three, sparking tension throughout the state of Kerala following the attack at the Christian prayer meeting. Shortly after the incident, a video surfaced on social media in which Dominic Martin, a resident of Kochi, claimed responsibility for the blast. Martin then surrendered himself at Kodakara police station.
Law enforcement agencies, including the police, NIA, Central Security Force, and Anti-Terrorism Force, interrogated Martin. During the investigation, Martin revealed that he had previously worked as a servant in the Jehovah’s Witnesses Christian Church but left due to his disagreement with the church’s activities.
He further disclosed that the bombing was planned as a response to the church’s refusal to cease its activities, despite repeated warnings. Martin admitted to purchasing the necessary materials, including explosives, from various locations in Kochi. He learned about making electric detonators from YouTube and assembled the bombs in his house.
The prepared explosives were then taken to the prayer meeting the next morning, where they were detonated as planned. Subsequently, the police arrested Dominic Martin, who has been charged under Sections of UPA Act, Murder, Attempt to Murder, and Explosives Prohibition Act.
The NIA is currently investigating whether other individuals were involved in this conspiracy. Despite Martin’s claims to have acted alone, authorities are scrutinizing his potential foreign connections, as he has spent significant time abroad.
The investigation aims to uncover information about Martin’s associates, his relationships, and any potential ties to terrorist organizations. It is anticipated that more details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, 21 individuals injured in the blast continue to receive treatment in hospitals, with 16 of them admitted to the intensive care unit. Three patients remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
As the NIA and other authorities persist in their investigation, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the tragic bomb blast that occurred during the Jehovah’s Witnesses prayer meeting in Kerala.