Kerala Director General of Police Shaik Darvesh Saheb has said the initial probe into the convention centre blast that killed one and injured over 30 people has indicated the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), adding that more details would only be revealed later. He said the police were examining all angles and assured stringent action against the guilty. He also appealed to people to maintain peace and remain calm and warned of action if anyone was found sharing provocative or hateful posts on social media.


He said, "One person died while 36 people were injured after an explosion took place at Zamra convention centre 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."


The blast ripped through the convention centre during a prayer meet following which government health officials were rushed on duty to assist the injured and health facilities were set up around the area. Top police officials along with anti-terror agencies NIA and NSG were pressed into action after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Miniter Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation. Vijayan also asserted that the state government was taking the matter very seriously and take top officials were engaged in the investigation.




Ganesh Mohan, RMO, Kalamassery Medical College 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."

 

While some present at the site of the incident claimed that there was more than one blast, police said the claims were yet to be ascertained, adding that what caused the blast or who was behind it would only be revealed after investigation. 



Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off and rescue operations were underway. Visuals showed medical officials and ambulances rushing into the venue to help the affected people.