India: Two killed, 56 injured in multiple blasts at convention centre in Kerala, terror angle suspected

Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts ata Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sectin Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.

The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast.

Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts' site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev.

ALSO READ |India's Modi dials Egypt's El-Sisi to raise caution against escalation of Israel-Hamas war

The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am(local time).

#WATCH | Visuals from Ernakulam, Kerala where one person died, and several injured in an explosion at a Convention Centre in Kalamassery https://t.co/hir8k808v2 pic.twitter.com/305HuzA4gg — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds.

“Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added.

State government asks doctors to report on duty

As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts.

The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College.

WATCH |Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect

Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.”

According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs,news agency PTI quoted Kerala DGP as saying. He said that the police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala CMVijayan 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 in investigation.

Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb said thatan Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was kept in a tiffin box, was recovered from the blast site.

"Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment. In the convention centre, we witnessed a regional convention happening. All our senior officers are on the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action," DGP Darvesh stated.

"We will be constituting a special team today itself after I reach the spot," headded.

Delhi on high alert, blast suspect nabbed

After the Kerala blast, Delhi was placed on alert and instructions were given to increase security around churches.

"The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," said the Delhi Police, in a statement.

As per reports, the blast suspect was detained by the police inKannur.

The Jehovah Witness Convention is a gathering which takes place annually. In this, larger assemblies which are known as “Regional Conventions” take place and continue for three days.

The explosion took place amid ongoing controversy over Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's participation in an event in Kerala. Reacting to the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the blast shows “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government” and the event's organisers are justifying it as “nothing unusual”.

In an event held in Kerala,Hamas terrorists Khaled Mashal spoke from Qatar and asked participants to get ready for Jihad and get down on the streets in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE