Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has promised a thorough investigation after multiple explosions rocked a convention center in the Kalamassery area in Kochi, killing one person and injuring over 30 others.
While speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala CM said that this matter will be investigated seriously. He has talked to the DGP of the state related to this matter. He said that who carried out the blast and whether it was an act of terror can be said only after proper investigation.
Man surrendered in Thrissur:
A person has surrendered and taken responsibility for the blast at Kodakara police station in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The police have taken him into custody and his claim is being investigated thoroughly.
"It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation," he said in a statement.
Kerala DGP Shavik Darvesh Sahib said that a major explosion was reported at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre at 9:40 am in which 36 people were injured. Preliminary investigation showed the usage of an improvised explosive device (IED), he said. Vijayan has departed for Kerala from New Delhi.
"All our senior officers are at the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action..." he said.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on blast
Terming the incident a horrific tragedy, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that he assured that the law and order enforcement agencies will act in a manner so that there is no repetition of this kind never in future. "This is a horrific tragedy...These things are absolutely unacceptable in the rule of law society, in a democracy...The way this blast has been used to disturb the congregation is absolutely condemnable. I am sure that the law & order enforcement agencies will act in a manner so that there is no repetition of this kind never in future," he said.
Disturbing to see Kerala becoming place for terrorist acts: MoS Muraleedharan
Reacting to the blasts, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that the incident was "shocking" and remarked that it was disturbing to see the state as a place for terrorist attacks.
"The incident of the bomb blast in a prayer meeting of the Christian community in Kochi is a shocking incident. It is disturbing to note that Kerala is becoming a place where such incidents are happening which are considered a terrorist act. The Home Minister has already spoken to the chief minister of Kerala. I also had a telephone call with the CM," he said.
Shocked and dismayed, demand swift action: Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also condemned the incident in Kerala and demanded swift police action. "Shocked and dismayed by the news of a bomb attack on a religious gathering in Kerala," he said in a post on X.
"To see my state falling prey to the mentality of killing and destruction is tragic. I urge all religious leaders to unite in condemning such barbarism & teaching their followers that violence achieves nothing but more violence," Tharoor further said.
Health Minister directs state officials
Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George has directed all hospitals to alert health workers on leave to immediately return and tend to those injured in the blast, and also directed the Director of the Health Department and Director of the Medical Education Department to provide the best treatment.
The explosion occurred when a church programme was underway at the convention center. Eyewitnesses have stated that three explosions were heard in the area. A high alert has been issued in the entire state following the blast. Meanwhile, the reasons for the blast are not yet known, police are investigating.
Amit Shah speaks to CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to CM Vijayan and took stock of the situation in the state after a bomb explosion took place at a convention centre.
He also instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) to reach on the spot and start an inquiry into the incident.
Earlier, Kerala's opposition leader VD Satheesan said that there were two blasts that caused a blast. "First, there was a major blast. The second one was minor. One lady died and 25 persons are in the hospital. Out of 25, 6 persons are in the ICU unit. Around 2,000 people (were present)..." he told media personnel.
Kerala in grip of terrorism today: BJP leader Alphons KJ
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Alphons KJ said that both left and right-wing parties are supporting terrorist activities in Kerala and today the state is in "the grip of terrorism", after the blasts.
"There were multiple blasts apparently... The situation is extremely critical...I have been warning for a long time that in Kerala, both left and right, is supporting terrorism...This has been happening in Kerala for a very long time...Today Kerala is in the grip of terrorism. This has to stop," he told news agency ANI.
(with ANI inputs)
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