<p>Dominic Martin, the man who claimed responsibility for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-delhi-mumbai-up-on-alert-centre-sends-nsg-team-to-kerala-652672">deadly blasts</a> in the Indian state of Kerala at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention in Kochi was arrested earlier on Monday (Oct 30). This comes a day after the 57-year-old former English teacher said that he was behind the blast that killed three people and injured dozens of others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) formally arrested Martin under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as the Explosives Substances Act and charges of murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kochi Police Commissioner A Akbar, as per reports, said that the 57-year-old was arrested after a detailed questioning and that the investigation team has reasonable doubts to believe that he is the one who committed the crime.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the charges against the accused?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Kerala’s Director General of Police, the blasts took place due to an improvised explosive device (IED). Hours after the incident, Martin, who had surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-threatens-legal-action-against-bjp-minister-over-posts-on-tragedy-652812">Kerala serial blasts: CM Pinarayi Vijayan threatens legal action against union BJP minister over posts</a></strong></p>

<p>He also claimed that the community teaches “anti-national ideas to children,” and that it spreads “hatred” while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of the community. The blasts occurred during the convention of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-who-are-jehovahs-witnesses-the-christian-community-targeted-in-kerala-serial-blasts-652790">Jehovah’s Witnesses</a>, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States in the 19th century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kochi police commissioner said Martin has been charged with Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Section 16 of UAPA.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Detailed questioning’</strong></h2>

<p>The 57-year-old’s arrest came after hours of questioning by the state police and other law enforcement agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kochi-man-claims-responsibility-for-ied-blast-at-religious-gathering-terror-angle-being-probed-652715">India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed</a></strong></p>

<p>The police also said that the initial probe indicates that Martin acted alone to gather the materials, build the IED bomb, planting and detonating them when the group had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“The accused was questioned in detail. Apart from that, other evidence was also collected by the investigation team. Based on that, the team has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has committed the crime,” a SIT official&nbsp;told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Whether there was any assistance rendered by anybody or if there were any other person involved, all these will be subjected to a detailed investigation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect is expected to be presented before a court on Tuesday (Oct 31) while the investigation team may collect more evidence, including if there was another person involved in the blasts and probe if there are other reasons for Martin’s anger towards the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Dominic Martin, the man who claimed responsibility for the deadly blasts in the Indian state of Kerala at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention in Kochi was arrested earlier on Monday (Oct 30).

Dominic Martin, the man who claimed responsibility for the deadly blasts in the Indian state of Kerala at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention in Kochi was arrested earlier on Monday (Oct 30). This comes a day after the 57-year-old former English teacher said that he was behind the blast that killed three people and injured dozens of others. The Kerala Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) formally arrested Martin under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as the Explosives Substances Act and charges of murder. Kochi Police Commissioner A Akbar, as per reports, said that the 57-year-old was arrested after a detailed questioning and that the investigation team has reasonable doubts to believe that he is the one who committed the crime. What are the charges against the accused? According to Kerala’s Director General of Police, the blasts took place due to an improvised explosive device (IED). Hours after the incident, Martin, who had surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community. ALSO READ | Kerala serial blasts: CM Pinarayi Vijayan threatens legal action against union BJP minister over posts He also claimed that the community teaches “anti-national ideas to children,” and that it spreads “hatred” while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of the community. The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States in the 19th century. The Kochi police commissioner said Martin has been charged with Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Section 16 of UAPA. ‘Detailed questioning’ The 57-year-old’s arrest came after hours of questioning by the state police and other law enforcement agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA). ALSO READ | India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed The police also said that the initial probe indicates that Martin acted alone to gather the materials, build the IED bomb, planting and detonating them when the group had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting. “The accused was questioned in detail. Apart from that, other evidence was also collected by the investigation team. Based on that, the team has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has committed the crime,” a SIT official told reporters. He added, "Whether there was any assistance rendered by anybody or if there were any other person involved, all these will be subjected to a detailed investigation." The suspect is expected to be presented before a court on Tuesday (Oct 31) while the investigation team may collect more evidence, including if there was another person involved in the blasts and probe if there are other reasons for Martin’s anger towards the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Man who claimed responsibility for Kerala blasts arrested by police, UAPA invoked

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<p>On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack. The man, identified as Dominic Martin, was behind the attack and he was a former member of the community. Martin surrendered at a police station in Thrissur, around 40 kilometres from the site of the blasts.</p>

<p>This explosion in Kerala caused India's national capital New Delhi, and the country's financial capital Mumbai, among others to be on alert. The explosion has raised safety concerns about members of the Jehovah's Witnesses in India. The group has about 60,000 followers in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Who are Jehovah's Witnesses?</strong></h2>

<p>Jehovah's Witnesses are an international Christian denomination founded in the United States around 1870. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the community is known in many countries for door-to-door evangelism. It accepts some ideas of Christianity and believes that the world will end very soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The community believes in Jesus Christ but does not believe that he is the Almighty God. Jw.org, a website that provides all details about the community, says that the community offers prayers in Jesus' name, adding, "We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kochi-man-claims-responsibility-for-ied-blast-at-religious-gathering-terror-angle-being-probed-652715">Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the website adds that it is different from other religious groups that are called Christian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others," the website further says.</p>

<h2><strong>The community's presence in India</strong></h2>

<p>According <strong><a href="https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/india/jehovah-witness-facts/">to jw.org</a></strong>, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been present in India since 1905. The community established an office in Mumbai (then called Bombay) in 1926 and obtained legal registration in 1978. The community benefits from the guarantees of the Indian constitution, which include the right to practice, profess, and propagate one’s faith.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Jehovah’s Witnesses generally worship without hindrance in India. However, in some states, they have been victims of mob attacks and other acts of religious intolerance," the website adds.</p>

<p>A landmark case involving the community was <strong><a href="https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/emmanuel-v-state-of-kerala/#:~:text=Case%20Summary%20and%20Outcome,right%20to%20freedom%20of%20expression.">Bijoe Emmanuel vs&nbsp;State of Kerala</a></strong>. The case was about three children from the community- Bijoe,&nbsp;Binu Mol and Bindu Emmanuel, who were expelled from school in 1985 after they refused to sing India's national anthem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per court documents, when the anthem was played during the morning assembly, the children stood respectfully but did not sing since it was against their religious faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses.</p>

<p>Upon expulsion, their father filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court, contending that the expulsion of his children was an infringement of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression under Article 19 and freedom of religion under Article 25. The court dismissed the case, finding that “no words or thoughts” in the national anthem were capable of offending religious convictions.</p>

<p>The father later filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. The apex court discussed the applicability of Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971, under which: “Whoever, intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished."</p>

<p>However, the court held that standing up silently “clearly does not either prevent the singing of the National Anthem or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing.”</p>

<p>It ruled that the expulsion from school violated the children’s rights to freedom of expression and religion. It accordingly set aside the High Court’s judgment and ordered the then Kerala government to readmit the children to school</p>

<p>Jehovah’s Witnesses in India continue to meet with government officials and apply to the courts to protect their right to practice their religion freely.</p>

<h2><strong>The serial blasts that shook the community</strong></h2>

<p>The serial blasts at the three-day-long Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed two women and injured more than 50 others. Addressing a press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 17 people were in intensive care with five in critical condition. Earlier, state Health Minister Veena George told the news agency Reuters that a 12-year-old girl with 95% burns was also in a critical state.</p>

<p>Dominic Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack. "I am taking full responsibility for this. I carried out the bomb explosion. I am making this video to make it clear why I did this," Martin said in the video which was on Facebook for four hours before it disappeared.</p>

<p>He shortly surrendered at the police station in Thrissur. Speaking to Reuters, police public relations officer Pramod Kumar said, "Dominic is still being questioned in Kochi. He is in our custody but we have not recorded his arrest so far."</p>

<p>"We are still trying to ascertain the veracity of his statement, it will take some time. We are not in a position to confirm his involvement in the case right now, investigation is ongoing," Kumar added.</p>

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On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack.

On Sunday (Oct 29), the Indian state of Kerala was rocked by serial blasts at a meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Ernakulam. Two women were killed and more than 50 were injured in the attack. The man, identified as Dominic Martin, was behind the attack and he was a former member of the community. Martin surrendered at a police station in Thrissur, around 40 kilometres from the site of the blasts. This explosion in Kerala caused India's national capital New Delhi, and the country's financial capital Mumbai, among others to be on alert. The explosion has raised safety concerns about members of the Jehovah's Witnesses in India. The group has about 60,000 followers in India. Who are Jehovah's Witnesses? Jehovah's Witnesses are an international Christian denomination founded in the United States around 1870. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the community is known in many countries for door-to-door evangelism. It accepts some ideas of Christianity and believes that the world will end very soon. The community believes in Jesus Christ but does not believe that he is the Almighty God. Jw.org, a website that provides all details about the community, says that the community offers prayers in Jesus' name, adding, "We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man." Also read: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed However, the website adds that it is different from other religious groups that are called Christian. "For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others," the website further says. The community's presence in India According to jw.org, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been present in India since 1905. The community established an office in Mumbai (then called Bombay) in 1926 and obtained legal registration in 1978. The community benefits from the guarantees of the Indian constitution, which include the right to practice, profess, and propagate one’s faith. "Jehovah’s Witnesses generally worship without hindrance in India. However, in some states, they have been victims of mob attacks and other acts of religious intolerance," the website adds. A landmark case involving the community was Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala. The case was about three children from the community- Bijoe, Binu Mol and Bindu Emmanuel, who were expelled from school in 1985 after they refused to sing India's national anthem. As per court documents, when the anthem was played during the morning assembly, the children stood respectfully but did not sing since it was against their religious faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Upon expulsion, their father filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court, contending that the expulsion of his children was an infringement of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression under Article 19 and freedom of religion under Article 25. The court dismissed the case, finding that “no words or thoughts” in the national anthem were capable of offending religious convictions. The father later filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. The apex court discussed the applicability of Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971, under which: “Whoever, intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished." However, the court held that standing up silently “clearly does not either prevent the singing of the National Anthem or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in such singing.” It ruled that the expulsion from school violated the children’s rights to freedom of expression and religion. It accordingly set aside the High Court’s judgment and ordered the then Kerala government to readmit the children to school Jehovah’s Witnesses in India continue to meet with government officials and apply to the courts to protect their right to practice their religion freely. The serial blasts that shook the community The serial blasts at the three-day-long Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Kalamassery killed two women and injured more than 50 others. Addressing a press conference, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 17 people were in intensive care with five in critical condition. Earlier, state Health Minister Veena George told the news agency Reuters that a 12-year-old girl with 95% burns was also in a critical state. Dominic Martin posted a video on Facebook claiming responsibility for the attack. "I am taking full responsibility for this. I carried out the bomb explosion. I am making this video to make it clear why I did this," Martin said in the video which was on Facebook for four hours before it disappeared. He shortly surrendered at the police station in Thrissur. Speaking to Reuters, police public relations officer Pramod Kumar said, "Dominic is still being questioned in Kochi. He is in our custody but we have not recorded his arrest so far." "We are still trying to ascertain the veracity of his statement, it will take some time. We are not in a position to confirm his involvement in the case right now, investigation is ongoing," Kumar added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, the community targeted in Kerala serial blasts?

<p>A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured. The incident occurred due to an improvised explosive device (IED), according to Kerala state's Director General of Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This morning at 9.40 am approximately, there was an explosion in Zamrah International Convention Centre in Kalamassery in which two persons died and 56 people are undergoing treatment as per our information," the DGP said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-delhi-mumbai-up-on-alert-centre-sends-nsg-team-to-kerala-652672">Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai &amp; UP on alert; centre sends NSG team to Kerala</a></strong></p>

<p>"One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case. The blast took place in the central part of the hall," the DGP added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dominic Martin, who has surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community. Martin claimed that the community teaches "anti-national ideas to children", and that it spreads "hatred" while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of&nbsp;the community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>We are examining all angles: Police</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked whether it was a terror attack, the DGP said he cannot say anything at this stage. "Only after the investigation can I confirm the details. We are examining all the angles. We will find out who is behind this and will take stringent action against them," the top police official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: One dead, five critical and 23 injured in a blast at Kalamassery, Kerala</strong></p>

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<p>The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States of America in the 19th century.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured.

A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured. The incident occurred due to an improvised explosive device (IED), according to Kerala state's Director General of Police. "This morning at 9.40 am approximately, there was an explosion in Zamrah International Convention Centre in Kalamassery in which two persons died and 56 people are undergoing treatment as per our information," the DGP said. Also read | Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai & UP on alert; centre sends NSG team to Kerala "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case. The blast took place in the central part of the hall," the DGP added. Dominic Martin, who has surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community. Martin claimed that the community teaches "anti-national ideas to children", and that it spreads "hatred" while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of the community. We are examining all angles: Police On being asked whether it was a terror attack, the DGP said he cannot say anything at this stage. "Only after the investigation can I confirm the details. We are examining all the angles. We will find out who is behind this and will take stringent action against them," the top police official said. He also urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media. Also watch | India: One dead, five critical and 23 injured in a blast at Kalamassery, Kerala × The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted. The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States of America in the 19th century. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed

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<p>India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29). According to a report by the news PTI, security was beefed up around churches, metro stations, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places in New Delhi. Speaking to PTI, a police officer, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "Teams have been informed to put barricades on the border area from Uttar Pradesh side and Haryana side."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-live-updates-cm-calls-for-all-party-meeting-amit-shah-assures-help-652621">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the aftermath of Kerala serial blasts</a></strong></p>

<p>"Police in civil dress, riders, and PCRs have been asked to stay on alert and not to ignore any information they receive," the officer said, adding cops were keeping a strict vigil in overcrowded markets, and extra platoon deployment was already in place considering the festival season.</p>

<h2><strong>Security tightened at Jewish centre in Mumbai</strong></h2>

<p>In Mumbai, a similar alert (like New Delhi) was issued by the police given the festival season, and upcoming cricket matches, a report by NDTV said. The report added that security had been tightened at the Chabad House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his government is always on alert, adding, "We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Kerala blasts, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "We are always on alert, no separate alert has been given, but we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra. We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place.… <a href="https://t.co/GYNwEss5xt">pic.twitter.com/GYNwEss5xt</a></p>
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<p>Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar ordered all districts to be on alert. "Orders have been given to keep special surveillance in several districts including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, Agra," Kumar told the news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala serial blasts: Two killed, 52&nbsp;wounded</strong></h2>

<p>Two persons were killed and 52 were injured when at least three consecutive blasts were reported in Kerala during a prayer event of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosions took place during the event at the Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. Citing local media, the news agency Reuters reported that the group was holding a three-day zonal convention that had seen more than 2,000 attendees.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the blast at Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar, says "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he… <a href="https://t.co/q59H7TaQC7">pic.twitter.com/q59H7TaQC7</a></p>
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<p>Speaking to reporters, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that one person surrendered to the police claiming he was behind the blasts. "His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case," Kumar said.</p>

<p>The Kerala government has initiated an investigation and the central government has sent an eight-member team from the National Security Guard (NSG)&nbsp;and a team of anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a directive of Union&nbsp;home minister Amit Shah to the southern state to investigate as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29).

India's national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on a high alert following serial blasts in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday (Oct 29). According to a report by the news PTI, security was beefed up around churches, metro stations, bus stands, railway stations, and other public places in New Delhi. Speaking to PTI, a police officer, who chose to remain anonymous, said, "Teams have been informed to put barricades on the border area from Uttar Pradesh side and Haryana side." Click here to follow LIVE updates on the aftermath of Kerala serial blasts "Police in civil dress, riders, and PCRs have been asked to stay on alert and not to ignore any information they receive," the officer said, adding cops were keeping a strict vigil in overcrowded markets, and extra platoon deployment was already in place considering the festival season. Security tightened at Jewish centre in Mumbai In Mumbai, a similar alert (like New Delhi) was issued by the police given the festival season, and upcoming cricket matches, a report by NDTV said. The report added that security had been tightened at the Chabad House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai. Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his government is always on alert, adding, "We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place." #WATCH | On Kerala blasts, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "We are always on alert, no separate alert has been given, but we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra. We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place.… pic.twitter.com/GYNwEss5xt — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar ordered all districts to be on alert. "Orders have been given to keep special surveillance in several districts including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, Agra," Kumar told the news agency ANI. Kerala serial blasts: Two killed, 52 wounded Two persons were killed and 52 were injured when at least three consecutive blasts were reported in Kerala during a prayer event of the Christian denomination Jehovah’s Witnesses. The explosions took place during the event at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, Ernakulam. Citing local media, the news agency Reuters reported that the group was holding a three-day zonal convention that had seen more than 2,000 attendees. #WATCH | On the blast at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar, says "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he… pic.twitter.com/q59H7TaQC7 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Speaking to reporters, Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar said that one person surrendered to the police claiming he was behind the blasts. "His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case," Kumar said. The Kerala government has initiated an investigation and the central government has sent an eight-member team from the National Security Guard (NSG) and a team of anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a directive of Union home minister Amit Shah to the southern state to investigate as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai & UP on alert; Centre sends NSG team to Kerala