Carried Out Kerala Blast Due To Group's 'Seditious Teachings', Man Claims In Video Before Surrender

Kerala Blast: The man who identified himself as Dominic Martin, released a video message, claiming that he took this drastic step due to what he perceived as 'seditious teachings' of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

People rush to save themselves after a blast at a convention centre in Kalamassery, in Ernakulam district, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. | Video Screenshot of Dominic Martin

Source : PTI | X/@zoo_bear

An individual claiming to be a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious group has claimed responsibility for the multiple explosions that rocked a Christian religious gathering in Kalamassery on Sunday morning. The incident, which resulted in one fatality and left over 45 individuals injured, has sent shockwaves through the community. The man, who identified himself as Dominic Martin, released a video message on a social media platform, which was subsequently aired on various TV channels, news agency PTI reported.

In the video, Martin claimed that he took this drastic step due to what he perceived as 'seditious teachings' of the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation, as per PTI. However, as of now, no official statement has been issued by the organisation in response to these allegations.

Meanwhile, a person purporting to be a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious group contradicted Martin's claim during an interview with a television channel, stating that no such person named Martin is currently affiliated with their organisation, PTI's report mentioned.

The person claiming responsibility in the video explained, "What happened there, I do not know exactly, but I know it (the explosions) happened, and I am taking full responsibility for the same."

Martin went on to elucidate that his motive behind the video was to elabourate his well-considered decision. He asserted that he had been part of the Jehovah's Witnesses Christian religious group for 16 years, but he had come to regard their teachings as seditious.

The Jehovah's Witnesses organisation, which originated in the United States of America in the 19th century, was sharply criticised by Martin who claimed that he had attempted to engage with the organisation multiple times, urging them to amend their teachings, but to no avail. "As I had no other option, I took this decision," the man contended, as quoted by PTI.

Martin further alleged that the organisation's ideology posed a significant threat to the nation and, as a result, it needed to be eradicated from the state. He strongly stated, "Jehovah's Witnesses, your ideology is wrong. You do not help anyone or respect anyone. You want everyone to be destroyed, except yourself. That is your ideology."

Concluding his video message, Martin declared his intention to surrender to the police, alleviating any need for a manhunt. His surrender took place at the Kodakara police station in Thrissur district, where he identified himself as Dominic Martin and claimed responsibility for the explosions.

The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, M R Ajith Kumar, provided an update on the situation, confirming the death of one woman and injuries to over 45 individuals, some of whom sustained severe injuries in the blasts. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the explosions were the result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb, speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, acknowledged the ongoing examination of the incident, reaffirming that the blasts were attributed to IEDs. A comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of this shocking event.