Kochi: In Kerala, one person was killed and over 20 injured, when blasts took place at a Convention Centre, where a prayer meeting of the Christian religious group Jehovah’s Witnesses was underway at Kalamassery in Kochi this morning.
Eyewitnesses said at least two blasts were heard at the Convention Centre, where more than 2000 devotees belonging to the religious group had assembled for prayers from different parts of the State. A charred body, believed to be that of a woman was recovered from the site.
A fire broke out following the blasts and fire tenders were brought in to control the fire. Cries of women and children rented the air following the blasts and the Convention Centre resembled a battlefield with chairs and belongings of assembled worshippers strewn around.
The entire area has been sealed off. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts so far.
Senior police officers have rushed to the spot and an investigation is on. Meanwhile, the entire State has been put on high alert following the blasts.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today and took stock of the situation in the State after bomb blasts at a convention centre. Sources said he also instructed the NIA and the NSG to reach on the spot and start an inquiry into the incident.
Akashvani correspondent reports, A sense of disbelief, confusion and anger prevailed at the Convention Centre where the blasts took place this morning. People ran helter-skelter and the entire place looked like a battlefield with plastic chairs and people’s belongings strewn around.
Being a Sunday, many women, especially the elderly had assembled at the Convention Centre to take part in the three-day prayer meeting, which was scheduled to conclude today.
The injured have been admitted to various hospitals nearby and the condition of two of them is said to be serious.
The area has been condoned off, senior police officers have already reached the spot investigation is on. The entire State has been put on high alert following the blasts.
