Kochi/New Delhi. The explosion that occurred at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kochi has been confirmed as a planned incident involving a bomb concealed within tiffin boxes. Authorities recovered remnants of an improvised explosive device (IED) capable of causing significant destruction at the scene.
The blast resulted in one fatality and left 35 individuals wounded. The reports indicate that the deceased victim, a woman, suffered extensive burns. The injured were shifted to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital, where several remain in critical condition. Approximately 2500 people were present within the convention centre at the time of the explosion.
NIA is set to assume control of the investigation. A team comprising five members is enroute from Delhi to Kochi to spearhead the inquiry into the explosion.
Law enforcement swiftly sealed off the blast site, and top officials, including the State Police Chief, Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, and the ADGP (Additional Director General of Police) overseeing law and order, MR Ajith Kumar IPS, have deployed their efforts at the scene. Additionally, Intelligence ADGP Manoj Abraham IPS, will join the investigation. Anti-terrorist forces have been deployed to conduct a thorough examination of the site.
The Union Home Ministry has called for a detailed report from the state regarding the explosion that occurred during a Jehovah’s Witnesses prayer meeting in Kalamassery. The Home Ministry has directed state police to examine the possibility of a terrorist attack.
The State Police Chief has issued a high alert to district police heads. The blast site has been secured and sealed by the police.
Kerala Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, expressed his deep sadness over the multiple explosions that occurred in Kalamassery, Zamra Convention and Exhibition Center. The Kerala Raj Bhavan released a statement in which Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, conveyed his shock at the explosion occurred during a religious gathering in convention center. He offered heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and extended his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.
Inputs – JanamTV