Kerala Blast Highlights — Police Arrest Accused Dominic Martin, Invoke UAPA

Kerala Blast Highlights: Follow this space for all the live and latest updates related to a blast at a convention centre in Kerala.

Background

Kerala Blast Highlights: Hello and welcome to the live blog on the updates on a blast at a convention centre in Kerala. Follow this space for all the live and latest updates.Three people died and over 50 were injured in a blast at a convention centre of a Christian religious group in Kalamassery in Kerala's Kochi. A top-level investigation has been launched into the matter and counter-terror agencies have been roped in on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. On Sunday after the blast took place, state Health Minister Veena George urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty while medical facilities were set up around the site of the blast. The blast site was cordoned off and police and fire rescue were pressed into service, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev said.Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called the blast at a convention centre an "unfortunate" incident, adding that the government is collecting details of the incident. He said the DGP is moving to the spot and the issue is being taken "very seriously". One person has died and over 20 were injured in the explosion on Sunday."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," the CM, as quoted by ANI.People present at the site of the blast told PTI that multiple blasts rocked the area and the first one occurred during the prayer meeting."Subsequently, we heard two more blasts," an old lady inside the centre told news agency PTI. A Kalamassery police officer said the cause of the blast was yet to be ascertained and whether there was more than one blast was not confirmed yet.

30/10/2023 22:58:14

Kerala Blast LIVE — Police arrest accused Dominic Martin's, invoke UAPA

Police Commissioner A Akbar says, "Dominic Martin's arrest was recorded at 7 pm. He will be produced in court within the stipulated time. He has been charged under sections of Explosive Substances Act and UAPA. As of now, we are convinced that this is a single man's act. But we are looking into more details."

30/10/2023 19:59:18

Kerala Blast LIVE — Police arrests man who claimed responsibility for attack

Police arrests man who claimed responsibility for the bomb blasts at a Christian religious gathering in Kerala, PTI reported.

30/10/2023 18:30:09

Kerala Blast LIVE — Burn victims to be given the best treatment, CM Pinarayi Vijayan says

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the burn victims of the Kalamasery blast will be given the best treatment and the government will bear the medical expenses: CMO 

Beyond what Martin Dominick admitted in the investigation into the explosion, the Police are also investigating if there was any other motive. Top police officials including DGP are conducting a probe. The Chief Minister said that the investigation is progressing well: Kerala Chief Minister's Office (ANI)

30/10/2023 18:19:31

Kerala Blast LIVE - 'Should not tolerate a culture of violence': Governor Arif Mohammed Khan meets injured victims

"This is not the right time to ask this question. Maybe after a few days, if there is any lapse then you can raise this question...There are two things - first, expression of sympathy and second, we should not tolerate a culture of violence. This is repugnant to democracy, repugnant to rule of law and repugnant to civilised existence. Nobody can be allowed to take law in their own hands and play games with the lives of people. For that, you can't blame anybody, we can together try to create an awareness where we have respect for each other and nothing like this ugly thing ever happens again," Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan when asked if the State Government is properly handling the issue, as quoted by ANI.

30/10/2023 18:13:56

Kerala Blast LIVE: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan meets injured victims

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Goa Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai met the victims of Kochi's Kalamassery blast, at Government Medical College this evening. (ANI)

30/10/2023 17:23:34

Kerala Blast LIVE: CM Pinarayi Vijayan says he will examine the matter of Hamas leader's event

CM Pinarayi Vijayan says he will examine the matter, referring to Hamas leader's virtual address at an event in Kerala by an Islamist group (PTI)

30/10/2023 17:07:45

Kerala Blast LIVE: Ongoing radicalisation a matter of concern for Kerala, says Union Minister Prahlad Joshi

"I strongly condemn the incident that occurred in Kerala yesterday. It appears to be a terrorist attack, and an investigation is underway. The ongoing radicalisation is a matter of concern for Kerala and the entire country," says Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Kochi blasts. (PTI)

30/10/2023 15:53:53

Kerala Blast LIVE: CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury offers condolences to them

"One person has been arrested who is being rounded up as the main suspect... Three people have died till now, while some are in critical situation. (We offer our) deepest condolence to them," says CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, PTI reported.

30/10/2023 15:50:08

Kerala Blast LIVE: CM Pinarayi Vijayan says probe into blasts progressing efficiently

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan says probe into blasts at religious gathering is progressing efficiently, PTI reported.

30/10/2023 14:31:02

'Soft Pedalling With Radicals Led To...': Nadda Slams Kerala CM Vijayan

Addressing a rally, BJP Chief JP Nadda alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government's soft pedalling with radicals has led to a situation where bomb blasts are occurring in Kerala.

30/10/2023 14:31:01

'Soft Pedalling With Radicals Led To...': Nadda Slams Kerala CM Vijayan

Addressing a rally, BJP Chief JP Nadda alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government's soft pedalling with radicals has led to a situation where bomb blasts are occurring in Kerala.

30/10/2023 12:44:45

Kerala Has Shown Increasing Tolerance Towards Radicalisation Under CM Vijayan: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

After visiting the Government Medical College, Kalamassery where people who were injured in the convention centre blast were admitted, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Kerala has shown an increased tolerance towards radicalisation under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said, "Under CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala has shown increasing tolerance towards radical elements and radicalisation. Whether it is the Kozhikode attempt to burn a train which would have caused, if he had succeeded over 200-300 deaths and the characterization of that person as being mentally ill till it was revealed that he was an ISIS sympathizer, and that was a deliberate attempt at terrorism. There is a history of appeasement of radical elements by both the Congress and the Left in Kerala."

 

30/10/2023 12:32:25

Demanded Strengthening Of Intel Machinery, Want Govt To Address Hate Campaign On Social Media: LoP VD Satheesan

Speaking on the Kalamassery blast after the all-party meeting chaired by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala LoP and Congress leader VD Satheesan said, "There was some hate campaign through social media after the incident. Irresponsible statements were made by some leaders, including a central minister. Kerala will be united to address the situation. We support the government in taking action against the culprits. We demanded to strengthen the intelligence machinery in Kerala...We want the government to address the hate campaign happening on social media."

30/10/2023 10:33:51

4 Critically Ill, Rest Of Injured Stable: Kerala Health Minister On Condition Of Blast Victims

Sharing an update about the health status of people injured in the Kalamassery blast on Sunday, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said, "We have 17 persons in different hospitals, 12 of them are in ICU, 4 are critically ill, 3 of them are on ventilator. We are giving every possible support... Those who are critically ill have burns above 50-60%... Four are critically ill, rest are almost stable... All of them have burns, but no other injuries are found. They have burns. Let the police conduct the inquiry, they will answer all the questions."

 

30/10/2023 10:26:35

Kerala CM Chairs All-Party Meet, Convention Centre Blast Toll Climbs To 3

An all-party meeting chaired by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan was underway at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall in the Secretariat, in Thiruvananthapuram after a blast at a convention centre on in Kalamassery on Sunday killed three people died and left over 50 injured.

 

30/10/2023 10:26:29

Kerala CM Chairs All-Party Meet, Convention Centre Blast Toll Climbs To 3

An all-party meeting chaired by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan was underway at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall in the Secretariat, in Thiruvananthapuram after a blast at a convention centre on in Kalamassery on Sunday killed three people died and left over 50 injured.

 

29/10/2023 22:21:16

Security Heightened At Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border In Wake Of Kochi Blasts

Security heightened at Kerala-Tamil Nadu border after Kochi blasts.

29/10/2023 19:48:44

Kerala Blast Live — Death Toll Rises To 2 As Woman Succumbs To Severe Burn Injuries

State Health Minister said that one more woman who suffered 90 percent burns in blasts at a Christian prayer meeting in Kochi died. Toll now 2. 

29/10/2023 19:42:03

Kerala Blast Live — 'Distressing And Condemnable': Rahul Gandhi Expresses Condolences

In an X post, Rahul Gandhi said: "The bomb blasts during a prayer meeting in Ernakulam, Kerala, are deeply distressing and condemnable. My condolences to the bereaved family, and I hope for a quick recovery for those injured. There is no place for hatred and violence in a civilised society. The govt must conduct a thorough probe and bring the guilty to justice."

29/10/2023 18:48:54

Kerala Blast: Guv Arif Mohammad Khan Condemns Tragedy, Vows To Ensure No Repetition

Governor Arif Mohammad Khan emphasised the complete unacceptability of such incidents in a rule-of-law society and a democracy. 

29/10/2023 16:46:48

Kerala Blast Live — Maharashtra Remains Vigilant In Wake Of Kerala Blasts, Says Deputy CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has affirmed the state's vigilance in response to the recent blasts in Kerala.

29/10/2023 16:37:13

Kerala Blast Live — One Person Surrendered Claiming Responsibility Of Blast, Kerala ADGP Says

Assistant Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, MR Ajith Kumar said a suspect named Dominic Martin has voluntarily surrendered himself at the Kodakra Police Station in Thrissur Rural, claiming responsibility for the blast. 

29/10/2023 16:03:08

Kerala Blast Live: 52 People Hospitalised, 12-Yr-Old Child Among 6 Critically Injured: Health Minister

Minister George reported that a total of 52 individuals have been admitted to various hospitals as a consequence of the incident. Among them, 30 are receiving treatment at the facility itself, with 18 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and six classified as critically injured.

29/10/2023 16:00:36

Kerala Blast Live: Uttar Pradesh SDG Orders Heightened Security Measures After Blasts In Kerala

In the wake of recent explosions in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh's Special Director General (SDG) for Law and Order, Prashant Kumar, has issued a directive for all districts to maintain a heightened state of alertness.

29/10/2023 14:56:41

Kalamassery Hospital Doctor Says 10 Patients In Burn ICU, 2 Of Them On Ventilator

 Ganesh Mohan, RMO, Kalamassery Medical College in Kerala says, "Right now, we have, 10 patients in the Burn ICU of which, 2 are on ventilator, and 1 more is critical. Everybody has been given adequate treatment..."

29/10/2023 14:38:36

There Were Multiple Blasts Apparently In Kerala, Situation Critical: Ex-Union Minister Alphons KJ

On blasts in Kerala, Former Union Minister and BJP leader Alphons KJ says, "...There were multiple blasts apparently... The situation is extremely critical...I have been warning for a long time that in Kerala, both left and right, is supporting terrorism...This has been happening in Kerala for a very long time...Today Kerala is in the grip of terrorism. This has to stop..."

29/10/2023 14:01:18

Kerala Blast Live: Preliminary Probe Hints At Use Of IED Device

Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb says initial probe suggests the use of IED device in the blast.

"One person died while 36 people were injured after an explosion took place at Zamra convention center in Kalamassery at around 9.40 am today morning.  A preliminary probe shows that it was an IED device. We are examining all the angles and will take stringent action," he said.

29/10/2023 13:59:14

Kerala Blast Live: 8-Member NSG Team To Reach Site By This Evening

An eight-member National Security Guard (NSG) team, including an officer, is on its way to Kerala to probe the bomb explosion that took place at a convention centre in Ernakulam. The team is expected to reach the bomb blast site by this evening.

29/10/2023 13:22:27

Kerala Blast Live: Top Cop To Constitute Team To Probe Incident

On the blast at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Kalamassery, Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb said that a special team will be constituted to probe the incident after he reaches the spot.

"We will be constituting a special team for this today itself after I reach the spot," he said. On being asked if there was any information regarding the blast, he says "There was no specific information"

29/10/2023 13:20:39

Kerala Blast Live: NSG Rushes Bomb Disposal Units To Kerala Explosion Site

According to ANI, the National Security Guard (NSG) has rushed one of its bomb disposal units from Delhi to Kerala to collect and inquire about the materials used in the explosion that took place at Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Kalamassery area in Ernakulam.

29/10/2023 13:00:51

Failure Of CM Vijayan's Govt: Kerala BJP Chief On Convention Centre Blast

Kerala BJP Chief K Surendran called the blast in state a "failure" of CM Pinarayi Vijayan's government.

"Heartbreaking news from Kalamassery, Kochi: A fatal blast at a Jehovah's Witnesses gathering has left one person dead and many critically injured during a prayer session. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Nowadays, Kerala has become a state where attacks and explosions continuously occur in crowds. This is a failure of the state home department under the @pinarayivijayan  Government," he said on X.

29/10/2023 12:58:55

Thrikkakara MLA Says Only 1 Serious Case Here, Being Shifted To Pvt Hospital

Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas said, "I went to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital. Only one serious case is there. They are shifting that patient to another private hospital..."

29/10/2023 12:35:59

Kerala Blast Live: Committee Member Says 'We All Rushed Out, Got Everybody To Safety After Explosion'

Saju, a committee member says, "It was an accident. We all rushed out. That's all what we know. And we all rushed out. Got everybody to safety. That's all we can say is this now. We're going to meet the officers so we'll know what the situation is..." 

29/10/2023 12:32:44

Kerala Congress Chief Says He Was Told 2 Blasts Took Place And 6 Persons Are In ICU

Kerala LoP and state Congress President VD Satheesan said, "I was told that there were two blasts and there was a fire. First, there was a major blast. The second one was minor. One lady died and 25 persons are in the hospital. Out of 25, 6 persons are in the ICU unit. Around 2,000 people (were present)..."

29/10/2023 12:31:25

Kerala Blast Live: Ernakulam DC Says 36 People Hurt, 10 Admitted To Burns Unit

Ernakulam District Collector said that 36 people have been injured in the blast at a convention centre blast here with 10 of them in the burns unit of Kalamassery Medical College in Kerala.

29/10/2023 12:25:58

Amit Shah Directs NIA, NSG To Send Teams At Kerala Blast Site

According to PTI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the anti-terror agencies NSG, NIA to send teams to Kerala to assist the state government after a blast at a convention centre.

29/10/2023 12:18:10

Amit Shah Speaks To Kerala CM Vijayan, Takes Stock Of Situation Afte Blast: Report

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and takes stock of the situation after a blast took place at a convention centre, reports PTI citing sources.