Kerala blast: Man surrenders before police, claims responsibility for explosions

Pic/PTI

Kerala blast: A man, claiming to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered before police in Thrissur district of the state, claiming responsibility for the multiple blasts at the Christian religious gathering at Kalamassery in Kerala on Sunday morning, the police said, according to the PTI.

The news agency had earlier reported that one woman had died and over 45 people were injured, some seriously, in the blasts, ADGP Law and Order M R Ajith Kumar told reporters.

IN PHOTOS: One dead, 36 injured in blast at convention centre in Kerala

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The officer said that the man surrendered at Kodakara police station in the morning, claiming he was the one who set off the blasts.

"The man's name is Dominic Martin. He also gave evidence supporting his claim. We are examining it presently. We are also examining his claims and the reasons given for carrying out the act," the ADGP said, as per the PTI.

He also said that the man also claims to be a follower of the Jehovah's Witnesses Christian religious group.

The group originated in the United States of America in the 19th century.

When asked by reporters whether the incident was an outcome of intelligence failure on the part of the police, the ADGP said that all branches of the force were functioning effectively.

Earlier, State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb told media in Thiruvananthapuram that according to the preliminary probe the blasts occurred due to IED.

"We are examining it," he said.

He also urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media.

Spreading of provocative or hate messages on social media would invite strict action, he warned.

The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted.

Meanwhile, Vasavan and Raju told media that many central agencies, including the NIA, were present at the scene.

They also said that the incident occurred at around 9.38 am on the last day of the convention and there were around 2,300 people present there at that time.

The ministers, including state Revenue Minister K Rajan, said that the people were praying with their eyes closed when the blast occurred.

They said that people came from various parts of the state for the convention.

The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses -- a Christian religious group that originated in the United States of America in the 19th century.

(with PTI inputs)