Man arrested over explosion attack on Jehovah’s Witnesses; three dead, over 50 injured 

Police detain Dominic Martin under anti-terror law after he claims responsibility for the attack

Three individuals lost their lives, and over 50 sustained injuries in a series of explosions during a Jehovah’s Witnesses meeting in Kalamassery, Kerala. The event, attended by more than 2,000 people, marked the culmination of a three-day prayer session organized by the Christian-based religious movement.

The suspect, identified as Dominic Martin, was swiftly apprehended by Indian authorities under an anti-terror law. Martin had posted a video on social media, claiming responsibility for the attacks, before surrendering to the police. According to reports, Martin alleged that he was a former member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, expressing deep discontent with the group’s teachings. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson TA Sreekumar clarified that Martin was not a registered member.

The tragedy unfolded when the first explosion rocked the hall, followed by two subsequent blasts on either side. Two women succumbed to their injuries on the day of the incident, while a 12-year-old girl, with severe burns covering 95% of her body, tragically passed away the following day.

Commissioner A Akbar of the Kochi city police stated, “We are convinced that he committed the crime based on his confession and corroborating pieces of evidence we collected.” Akbar further noted that Martin, a Kerala native who had previously worked in Dubai, was cooperating with the authorities.

The repercussions of the attack rippled across the nation, prompting heightened security measures in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious movement with approximately 8.7 million followers worldwide and around 60,000 in India, maintain a significant presence in Kerala, known for their active door-to-door evangelism efforts.

Survivor Queen Richard, who was present in the hall at the time of the explosion, recounted the horrifying experience. She initially mistook the blast for a short circuit, before witnessing the ensuing chaos. “As we closed our eyes and prayed, we heard that explosion in the centre of the hall. There was a huge flame,” she said, struggling to leave the hall alongside her disabled husband. “As soon as I got outside I fainted and fell down,” she added.

The nation mourns the lives lost and stands in solidarity with the injured victims and their families, as investigations into the motives behind this tragic incident continue.