There were 2,000 people at the convention centre when the blasts took place, police said.
New Delhi:
One person was killed and 23 others were injured after multiple explosions at a religious gathering in Kerala today. At least three blasts took place just minutes after a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses began at a Kochi convention centre.
What We Know So Far:
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There were 2,000 people at the convention centre when the blasts took place – the first one at 9.47 am – according to officials. Sunday was the last day of the three-day meeting, which started on October 27.
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Improvised Explosive Device was used in the attack, said Kerala Police, adding a special investigation team will be constituted to probe the case. The explosives were kept in a tiffin box, said sources.
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The anti-terror agency NIA is probing the case. A team of the National Security Guard is also on its way.
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the blast as “unfortunate”. State Health Minister Veena George has urged government healthcare professionals to report for duty following the blasts.
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Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister over the blasts.