Kerala: One killed, 36 injured in blast at convention centre in Kochi during prayer meet

One person was killed and 36 others were injured after multiple explosions at a religious gathering in Kerala today.

At least three blasts took place just minutes after a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses began at a Kochi convention centre.

Preliminary investigation shows it’s an IED blast. The incident happened at Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering at Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre at Kalamassery, where around 2,500 faithful from across the state had gathered for a prayer session.

Local media reports say the investigators suspect a car that went out of the premises of the convention hall was related to the IED blast.

Premises of the convention hall was related to the IED blast. The first blast among the many explosions occurred around 9.30 am minutes after the day’s prayer session began. (Special arrangement)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the media the incident was unfortunate and the police have taken it very seriously. “Senior officials, including the state DGP, have moved to Kochi. Among the injured, the condition of two is serious,” he said. The CM has called for an all-party meeting on Monday over the matter.

Meanwhile, Kerala health minister Veena George, while speaking about the incident, said that of those injured, 18 are in the ICU. “Of them, six, including a 12-year-old child, are critical,” she added.

Eyewitnesses told reporters the blasts happened in the middle of the convention centre. The first blast among the many explosions occurred around 9.30 am minutes after the day’s prayer session began. “The three-day convention began on Friday and was slated to be over on Sunday,” an eyewitness told the media. Senior police officials have rushed to the spot and put the entire force on alert across Kerala. (Special arrangement)

“Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention Centre, Kalamassery, in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment, as per our information. In the convention centre, Jehovah’s Witnesses’s regional convention was happening,” Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb said.

“All our senior officers, including the Commissioner or Police, are at the spot and are investigating the matter. Our Additional DGP (Law and Order) is on the way. I will also be reaching the spot shortly. We are examining all angles and we will find out who is behind this and we will take stringent action,” the DGP said. Kerala Revenue Minister Rajan, Cooperation minister VN Vasavan, Transport Minister Antony Raju, Kochi Muncipal Corporation Mayor Anilkumar visiting the injured at Govt Medical College, Ernakulam. (Source: PRD, Kerala)

Senior police officials have rushed to the spot and put the entire force on alert across Kerala. Also, the convention centre has been cordoned off with no one, except the police and the investigating agencies, allowed to enter. This has been done to collect all the possible evidence without fail.

“At the same time, I would request everyone to maintain peace, and remain calm. I also request that no provocative posts or hate posts should be posted on social media. If anyone posts such things, we will take stringent against them also,” the DGP added.

(Inputs from Agencies)