Death Toll Rises to Five in Kerala Blasts at Christian Gathering

Death Toll Rises to Five in Kerala Blasts at Christian Gathering

VoM News Desk | November 12, 2023 | 12:49 PM IST | Crime, Kerala | Follow on Google News

Death Toll Rises to Five in Kerala Blasts at Christian Gathering

Death Toll Rises to Five in Kerala Blasts at Christian Gathering

The aftermath of the blasts that occurred during a Christian religious gathering in Kerala two weeks ago has led to an increased death toll. The latest victim, 45-year-old Sally Pradeepan from Malayattoor in Ernakulam district, passed away on Saturday night, escalating the fatality count to five.

Victim’s Medical Condition and Ongoing Treatments

Sally Pradeepan, who succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital, had been on ventilator support. The medical bulletin, issued by a board constituted to treat the blast victims, also provided an update on others injured in the incident. Currently, 17 people are receiving medical care in various hospitals. Among them, eight are in intensive care units, with one in critical condition, while the remaining nine are in wards.

Details of the Blast Incident

The blasts took place on October 29 during a gathering of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian sect, at an international convention center in Kalamassery, near the port city of Kerala. The incident marked the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting. Among the initial casualties were a 12-year-old girl, Libina from Malayattoor, who died a day after the blasts, and two women who were killed on the day of the incident. Subsequently, 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery passed away on November 6. Over 50 people were reportedly injured, some severely, in the multiple blasts.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Following the blasts, Dominic Martin, an individual claiming to be an estranged member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, surrendered to the police in Thrissur district, admitting to orchestrating the blasts. His arrest was later recorded by the police. In response to these events, Martin faces charges under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder, Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, and provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

This tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, and ongoing investigations are focused on understanding the full extent of the circumstances leading to this act of violence.

VoM News Desk

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