Kochi, Oct 29 (UNI): A person from Kochi surrendered at Kodakara Police station in Thrissur district and confessed that he planted the IED at a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Kalamassery here on Sunday morning.
The multiple blasts, that rocked the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, killed a woman and injured several believers. Police took the man into custody as he identified himself as a native of Kochi. He is being questioned, sources said.
The incident happened at 9.45 am when nearly 2,400 people assembled there for prayers.
Following the serial blasts, the police issued alert instructions to the entire state. All the vehicles leaving and coming to the state are being checked in border areas.
Meanwhile, various central investigation agencies including NIA rushed to the spot. The blast happened on the last day of the three-day prayer.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called an all-party meeting on October 30 to discuss issues related to multiple blasts that killed one woman and injured several people at a Christian convention centre at Kalamaserry here on Sunday.
The meeting will be held at the Convenience Hall of the Government Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, an official message said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister who condoled the death of the woman said the culprits will be brought to the light. In a message, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said “Shocked to hear about the blast at a religious gathering at #Kalamassery, killing one person and injuring over 20. Heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh who reached the spot told media persons that strict action would be taken against those who spread provocative news on social media causing communal hatred.
He also said an SIT will investigate the blast at the Kalamassery Convention Centre in Kochi. He also admitted that the preliminary investigation on blasts shows that it is an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).
The blasts occurred a few days after the state-wide protest by various Muslim organisations in Kerala against Israel supporting Hamas and Palestine.
There were reports that Hamas terrorist Khaled Mashal attended an online meeting organised by pro-Palestine supporters in Kerala.
