Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (India), October 29 – In the wake of a tragic incident at a prayer hall in Kalamassery, where one person lost their life and several others sustained injuries due to explosions, the state’s top police officer, DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb, confirmed on Sunday that there were two blasts. The preliminary investigation indicates that the explosions were triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The authorities are conducting further investigations into the matter.
The DGP informed that 36 injured individuals were receiving treatment at various hospitals in the district. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the details of the incident. The explosion occurred at around 9:40 am at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The venue was hosting a regional meeting when the unfortunate incident took place. Senior police officers and additional DGP personnel are present at the scene, actively involved in the investigation. The DGP himself will also be reaching the spot shortly. Stringent action will be taken against those responsible once the culprits are identified.
The DGP stated that a special team would be formed promptly after his arrival at the location to aid in the investigation. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) to send teams to Kerala for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Home Minister also had a phone conversation with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to assess the situation in the state.
Expressing his condolences for the loss of life, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the incident “very, very unfortunate.” The Health Minister, Veena George, has instructed the Health Department and Medical Education Department directors to ensure that the injured victims receive the best possible treatment.
According to Kalamassery CI Vibin Das, the first explosion occurred around 9 am. The incident took place on the final day of a three-day meeting that commenced on October 27. Over 2,000 people were attending the prayer meeting when the blasts occurred.