Three back-to-back explosions initially suspected to be a terror attack but later declared to be the alleged handiwork of a disgruntled former member of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination, killed two women and wounded 51 other members of a 2,000-strong prayer congregation at Kalamassery in Kerala's Kochi on Sunday.
The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre by the suspect, identified as Dominic Martin of Thammanam in Kochi, went off in the middle of prayers at 9.35am, police said.
The centre was the venue of a three-day Jehovah's Witnesses event since Friday. Survivors said they heard three explosions within seconds, with the first one being powerful, followed by two smaller ones. CCTV footage of the aftermath shows children and elderly people among the crowd scampering out of the hall as chairs and other furniture burn. Some people are seen trying to douse the flames.
Much of the day went by without a breakthrough in the investigation as police appealed not to amplify rumours and speculation on social media about a possible terror attack on the religious congregation. Investigators said in the evening that suspect Martin, who had by then posted a video message claiming responsibility for the blasts, had surrendered to police in Thrissur, around 68 km away. He was brought to Kalamassery for interrogation.
Martin said he planted the IEDs as he felt that the teachings of the denomination he was once part of were against society and the nation. Additional DGP (law and order) M R Ajith Kumar said Martin had provided evidence supporting his claim, which police were examining. Kerala Police chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb confirmed that IEDs were used.