Calicut — India faced a suspected terrorist attack on Sunday at a Jehovah Witness convention center in Ernakulam district of Kerala, resulting in the death of one person and leaving over 20 injured, with two in critical condition.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the casualties and stated that the incident took place during a convention, attended by approximately 2,000 people.
Witnesses reported multiple explosions during the convention, raising suspicions of a terror attack.
Sources have informed local news that initial assessments point towards this being a deliberate act of terrorism. The bomb squad, forensics team, and a unit from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrived at the scene to investigate the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Baby PV of ACP Thrikkakara confirmed the casualty count, stating that two blasts occurred within a short span of 5-10 seconds.
He assured that the situation was under control and mentioned that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were present to gather evidence. A thorough investigation will determine if the explosions were caused by a bomb.
Jehovah Witnesses are a distinct Christian group that does not identify as Protestant. The conventions, such as the one targeted, are annual gatherings involving Bible-based talks, dramatizations, and videos related to their preaching work.
It remains unclear why this particular convention was targeted.
Top intelligence sources revealed to local news agencies that multiple blasts occurred in one hall, indicating a clear terrorist attack.
The sources mentioned that the Jehovah community may be a target due to their differences from other religious groups, making them vulnerable. The small size of the group may have made them an easier target for identification and attack.
It is important to note that the explosion coincides with an ongoing controversy surrounding the participation of a Hamas leader at an event in Kerala.
Khaled Mashal, a former chairman and founding member of Hamas politburo, virtually attended and addressed a protest organized by an Islamist group in the state against Israel’s conflict with the militant outfit. However, it is premature to establish any connection between the rally and the explosion at the convention center.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the incident, blaming the Pinarayi Vijayan government for its failure and expressing concern over the organizers’ attempt to downplay the incident as “nothing unusual.”
As investigations unfold, the focus will be on identifying the perpetrators behind this appalling act of violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of the injured victims.
