Kerala Blast: Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Sheikh Darvesh Saheb said that the blast that took place at a convention center of a Christian community in the state on Sunday was caused by an IED. One person died and 36 others were injured in the blast. Speaking to the media, the state police chief said that according to preliminary investigation the blast was caused by an IED. He said that we are investigating. He said that today at 9.40 am there was a blast at Jamrah International Convention Center in Kalamassery in which as per our information one person died and 36 people are being treated.
However, there are contradictory reports regarding the number of explosions. State ministers VV Vasavan and Antony Raju said there were two blasts, while Ernakulam Congress MP Hibi Eden said there were multiple blasts, according to a friend of hers present at the convention centre. The ministers said that they have told us that as per preliminary investigation there have been two blasts. When asked whether it was a terrorist attack, the DGP said he could not say anything at this stage. The top police officer said that I can confirm the information only after investigation. We are investigating from all aspects. We will find out who is behind this and take strict action against them.
He requested people to maintain peace and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media. Darwish warned that strict action would be taken against those who spread incitement or hate messages on social media. He also said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed after visiting the blast site. Meanwhile, Vasavan and Raju told the media that several central agencies including NIA were present at the spot. He also said that the incident occurred at around 9.38 am on the last day of the religious gathering and around 2,300 people were present there at that time.
State Revenue Minister K. Rajan and other ministers said that when the blast occurred, people were praying with their eyes closed. He told that people had come from different parts of the state for the religious meeting. The explosion occurred during a religious gathering called ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’. This Christian religious group was established in America in the 19th century. According to official figures, one woman died and 36 others were injured in the blast.