On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Kerala’s Kalamassery town was the scene of a tragic bombing at a Christian congregation. The event, hosted at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre, had drawn an audience of over 2,200 attendees, many of whom were members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.
The incident occurred shortly after the day’s proceedings began, resulting in the loss of one life and injuring over 50 people, some of whom are critically wounded, including a 12-year-old. A video from the convention centre displayed the chaotic aftermath: attendees scrambling to safety, fire engulfing parts of the venue, and debris scattered everywhere.
Authorities promptly arrived on the scene, with Kerala’s top police personnel, Shaik Darvesh Saheb, confirming the use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The police force was quick to take action, announcing that a special investigative team would be assembled. Cautioning against any premature conclusions or provocative posts on social platforms, they also revealed that a suspect, Dominic Martin, turned himself in, claiming affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The state’s health ministry confirmed that out of the injured, 18 are in ICU, and a handful, including a young child, are in a precarious condition. High-ranking officials, both at the state and national levels, expressed their concern and commitment to a rigorous investigation. Federal agencies, the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been deployed to support the probe.
While the motive behind the attack remains shrouded in mystery, murmurs from officials indicate it might be linked to acts of terrorism. This sentiment was underscored by a junior minister who noted the growing number of such incidents in Kerala. Meanwhile, other cities, including Delhi, heightened their security measures, especially with the festive season of Diwali approaching.
As the community grapples with this unexpected tragedy, our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, hoping they find solace and strength during these trying times. – Psalm 9:9.
The Review
Kerala bomb blast Jehovah's Witness meeting
In Kerala, India, a bomb blast during a Jehovah's Witness prayer meeting at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery town resulted in one fatality and 52 injuries, including a 12-year-old child. The explosion, suspected to be caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), is under investigation. A suspect, Dominic Martin, surrendered and claimed affiliation with the Jehovah's Witnesses church, though the motive remains unclear. Federal agencies, including the National Security Guard and the National Investigation Agency, are involved in the investigation. The incident has raised concerns, with some officials suggesting it could be a terrorist act. Police in Delhi are on high alert due to the situation occurring during the Hindu festival season as Diwali approaches.
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