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This Post Is Recently Updated on Oct 29, 2023 @ 23:32 pm by TBB Desk
1. Fatal Explosion at Ernakulam Convention Centre: Suspected Terror Attack
A suspected terrorist attack at a Kalamassery convention centre in Ernakulam, Kerala, left one person dead and more than 20 injured on a Sunday morning. The incident occurred during a ‘Jehovah Witness’ Convention attended by roughly 2,000 people. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported that the condition of two injured individuals is critical. Responding quickly to the situation, bomb squads, forensic teams, and a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team arrived at the scene. Initial evaluations lean towards categorizing the event as a serial bomb attack.
2. Authorities Confirm Casualties and Blast Details
Baby PV, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara, confirmed the tragic outcome of one fatality and 20-25 injuries, adding that two explosions occurred in a rapid succession of 5-10 seconds. He assured that the situation was under control, emphasizing the necessity of the ongoing investigation and the presence of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams at the site to determine if the incident was indeed a bomb blast.
3. Understanding the ‘Jehovah Witnesses’ Community
The ‘Jehovah Witnesses’ community, a distinct Christian group that doesn’t identify as protestant, was gathered for their annual convention, typically a three-day event from Friday to Sunday. These conventions feature a series of Bible-based talks, dramatizations, and showcases of their preaching work. The event is part of their larger assemblies known as “Regional Conventions.”
4. Speculation on Target and Motive
Top intelligence sources hinted reporters that multiple blasts occurred within one hall, indicating a clear act of terrorism. They noted that the ‘Jehovah Witnesses’ community is a vulnerable target due to their distinct beliefs and smaller size, making them easily identifiable and susceptible to attacks from other communities.
5. Controversy and Political Repercussions
The incident follows a recent controversy involving the virtual participation of Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in a Kerala event. While it’s premature to establish a direct link between his appearance and the explosions, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pointed out what they believe to be “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.” They also criticized the event organizers who defended the inclusion of the Hamas representative, stating there was “nothing unusual” about it.
6. Update
Hours after the blasts, a 48-year-old man claimed responsibility and has surrendered. The suspect, Dominic Martin, has claimed that he belongs to the same Christian denomination that organised the prayer meet.
