Kerala Blast News highlights: NSG team arrives in Kerala post explosion
Kerala Bomb Blast News highlights: Two people were killed and over 40 were injured in a blast at a convention centre of a Christian group in Kochi on Sunday morning. The cause of the blast is being probed. The explosion occurred at around 9:40 am during a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalamassery. Teams of counter-terror sleuths and National Security Guards (NSG) have been dispatched to the blast site. Kerala Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he is monitoring the situation closely....Read More
Visuals on local TV channels showed fire rescue and police personnel in large numbers evacuating people from the site. Many people were seen outside the convention centre after the explosion.
According to Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev the blast site is cordoned off and police and fire rescue have been pressed into action. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has asked all government healthcare professionals to report for duty after the incident.
Here's what we know about the blast in Kochi so far:
- The blast occurred at around 9.40 am during a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalamassery.
- The three-day prayer meeting was set to conclude on Sunday.
- A congregation of 2,500 persons was present at the time.
- Fire personnel and a team of police reached the blast site and recovered the body of the deceased.
- Those injured have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery and in private hospitals.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Sharad Pawar condemns incident, says ‘hatred, violence not solution’
NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Sunday condemned the bomb blast in Kerala saying that “hatred and violence is not the solution”. “Bomb blasts in Ernakulam, Kerala, are deplorable and deeply disturbing. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and prayers for a quick recovery for those injured,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: NSG team arrives in Kerala after explosion in Kalamassery
Following blasts in Ernakulam district in Kerala, the National Security Guard (NSG) team on Sunday arrived at the spot where the twin blast took place earlier today in Kalamassery.
Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that a 14-member medical board is monitoring the entire situation following the blasts at the convention centre of a Christian group in Kochi, which claimed at least two lives and left several injured.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Kerala CM slams union minister for his social media posts over convention centre blast
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday slammed senior BJP leader and Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar for his social media posts criticising him over a blast at a convention centre in Kalamassery, saying it was part of his communal stand.
Without naming Chandrasekhar, he, during a press conference here, sought to know based on what information the union minister made such remarks against him and how a person holding a responsible position could come out with such statements while the investigation was going on.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: CM Vijayan speaks on ‘unfortunate’ incident
“What happened in Kalamassery is very unfortunate. Currently, 41 people are hospitalised, 27 people admitted in Ernakulam Medical College…4 people discharged. 2 people have died, and 5 are critical. A special team led by ADGP Law and Order will be investigating this incident...20 members will be in the investigating team. An all-party-meeting has been called for tomorrow”, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Kerala Health minister Veena George visits hospital to meet victims of Kochi blast
Central agencies will probe ‘pro-Hamas’ event in Kerala: BJP spokesman Trivedi
BJP national spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi on Sunday said central agencies will investigate the alleged virtual participation of a Hamas leader in a protest programme in Kerala against Israel’s war with the militant outfit.
Kerala BJP chief K Surendran alleged on Saturday that Hamas leader Khaled Mashal had participated virtually in the protest programme organised by an Islamist group in the southern state.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: State Ministers visits Kalamassery's Medical College; meets injured people
Following blasts in Ernakulam district in Kerala, state Ministers K Rajan, VN Vasavan, Antony Raju, Mayor M Anilkumar and others visited Medical College in Kalamasery and met the injured in the blast at Zamra Convention Centre on Sunday.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Death toll rises to 2 as one more woman passes away
According to the latest updates, one more woman succumbed to injuries in Kalamassery explosion.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: 'No place for hatred, violence', says Rahul Gandhi
Taking to X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the explosion at Kerala's Kalamassery. He wrote, “The bomb blasts during a prayer meeting in Ernakulam, Kerala, are deeply distressing and condemnable… My condolences to the bereaved family, and I hope for a quick recovery for those injured… There is no place for hatred and violence in a civilised society. The govt must conduct a thorough probe and bring the guilty to justice.”
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: State BJP leader K Surendran calls for free and fair investigation
"There should be free and fair investigation…both state and central agencies must be involved, people are waiting for the truth...10-15 years back, a bomb blast happened in Kalamassery itself...this is the lapse of Kerala Police", the BJP leader said.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Police warn of 'strict action' against fake social media posts
Kerala Police on Sunday issued a warning against propagating fake news through social media platforms regarding the incident of a serial blast that took place at a prayer meeting in Kalamassery.
"Action will be taken against those spreading fake news," Kerala Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb said in a statement.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: ‘Atmosphere of Kerala cannot be poisoned’, says Congress leader KC Venugopal speaking about explosion
The Congress party has condemned the serial blasts that took place at a prayer meeting in Kerala's Kalamassery on Sunday morning. Taking to X, Congress National General Secretary KC Venugopal said, “The Congress Party condemns the blasts that took place earlier in Ernakulam, Kerala today. We demand a fair and prompt investigation to unearth the conspiracy being hatched against Kerala and its tradition of unity in diversity. The atmosphere of Kerala will not and cannot be poisoned by these forces.”
Man puts out video message claiming responsibility for multiple blasts at religious gathering in Kerala
A man claiming to be a member of Jehovah's Witnesses put up a video message on a social media platform claiming responsibility for the multiple blasts at a Christian religious gathering at Kalamassery here on Sunday morning.
Identifying himself as Martin in the video, which was aired on various TV channels, the man alleged that he took the decision as the teachings of the organisation were “seditious.”
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan condemns explosion, says ‘law & order enforcement agencies will act in a manner so that there is no repetition of this kind never in future’
"This is a horrific tragedy…I am sure that the law & order enforcement agencies will act in a manner so that there is no repetition of this kind never in future...": Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said on Sunday.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Medical board monitoring situation closely, says minister
"We have constituted 14 members medical board that is monitoring the entire situation. We have 18 patients currently in ICU. They are all stable, but two patients including a 12-year-old girl who has got 95% burns and a 53-year-old woman who has got 90% burns. A total of 6 people are critically ill..." state health minister Veena George said on Sunday.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: ‘Those who foster violence must be dealt with an iron hand’: Mallikarjun Kharge on blast in Kalamassery convention centre
“We strongly condemn the bomb blast attack at a Convention Centre in Ernakulam, Kerala. Hate, divisiveness and terror has zero space in a civilised society. Those who foster violence must be dealt with an iron hand. We stand together with the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” Kharge wrote on X.
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: 6 injured in critical condition, says minister
Speaking about the blast in Kerala's Kalamassery, minister P Rajeev said, "Police are conducting the investigation…we can only reach some conclusions after a thorough investigation. 6 people are currently in critical condition, total 18 are admitted in the ICU. Efforts are underway to save the lives of all the injured. CM Pinarayi Vijayan has called an all-party meeting tomorrow…everyone must refrain from fake social media campaigns…Kerala always faces such situations with unity…"
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: ‘Govt doing everything possible in hospitals…’ says Minister PA Mohamed Riyas
Speaking about the bomb blast at the convention centre in Kalamassery earlier minister PA Riyas said, “Kerala govt and health department are doing everything possible in hospitals. Kerala Police is investigating, don’t want to comment anything further on this…”
Kerala Bomb Blast News Live: Security tightened at Kannur Railway Station post explosion in Kalamassery convention centre
Security has been tightened at the railway station in Kerala's Kannur post explosion at the convention centre in Kalamassery.
Kerala blast news: Man surrenders claiming responsibility for explosion
A man surrendered himself at the Kodakara Police Station in Thrissur, reportedly claiming responsibility for the explosion that occurred at the convention center in Kalamassery. The Kerala Police confirmed this development on Sunday. “The person named Dominic Martin has submitted some evidence which we are examining. He claims to be a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses church”, the Kerala Police said.
Kerala blast news: ‘It is very sad to hear about this blasts targeting Christian community... I hold the Kerala govt responsible for this…’ says Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar
" It is very sad to hear about this blasts targeting Christian community...it is very depressing...I hold the Kerala govt responsible for this because just yesterday they permitted head of terror organisation Hamas to speak...Kerala govt permitted that programme to happen and 24 hours later, we are seeing the consequences...the Kerala CM , who is also the Kerala Home Minister is sitting in Delhi and doing politics..." said Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar speaking to ANI.
Kerala blast news: ADGP Ajith Kumar speaks about explosion that left 1 person killed, several others wounded
Speaking about the explosion at the Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery, ADGP Ajith Kumar said, "There was an explosion in the function in which around 45 people were injured one person has died. The condition of another 5 persons is serious. The person who died is suspected to be a lady, she died because of burn injuries the other people are also having burn injuries. All the concerned agencies including central agencies are in place and we are looking into it..."
Kerala blast news: 'We are always on alert… we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra… We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place': Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis post explosion in Kalamassery convention centre
Speaking to reporters after the explosion at a convention centre in Kerala injured at least 30 people, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "We are always on alert… we are careful because big cities like Mumbai and Pune are in Maharashtra… We have to constantly take care that no wrong activities take place'
Kerala blast news: Uttar Pradesh SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar orders all the districts to remain alert post blast in Kochi
"After the blasts in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar has ordered all the districts to remain alert. All the security agencies were also alerted… Orders have been given to keep special surveillance in several districts including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, Agra," ANI quoted UP SDG as saying.
Kerala blast news: ‘52 people admitted to different hospitals…’, says Health Minister Veena George
Speaking about the blast at a convention centre in Kerala, state health minister Veena George said that 52 people injured in the blast were admitted to different hospitals among which 18 people were in the ICU. "52 people admitted to different hospitals…30 people are admitted here, out of which 18 are in ICU and 6 are critically injured, among those 6, one is a 12-year-old child. The rest of the injured are in other private hospitals…the dead person has not been identified yet," Veena George told ANI.
Kerala blast 'unfortunate', says CM Vijayan; 'My state falling prey to...': Shashi Tharoor | READ
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed shock and dismay over reports of a blast at a Christian convention centre in Kerala on Sunday morning at a religious gathering. Condemning the incident, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said it's tragic to see Kerala falling prey to the mentality of killing and destruction. Read more here
Kerala blast news: ‘Shocked to learn about the bomb blasts,’ MoS Muraleedharan speaks on Kalamassery explosion
Expressing his apprehension after the explosion at a prayer hall in Kerala resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries, V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and a prominent BJP leader, conveyed his dismay regarding the state's increasing incidents that might be labeled as terrorist activities.
"I was shocked to learn of the bomb blasts at a convention centre during a prayer meeting of the Christian community. It is disturbing to note that Kerala is becoming a hotbed of incidents bordering on terrorist acts. The Home Minister (Amit Shah) has already spoken to the Kerala chief minister. I also had a telephonic conversation with the CM," Muraleedharan told ANI.
Kerala blast news: CM Pinarayi Vijayan convenes all-party meeting on Monday
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan convenes an all-party meeting on Monday in the wake of blasts at a convention centre in Kochi, says CMO.
Kerala blast news: Guv Arif Mohammed Khan expresses grief
“Shocked to hear about the blast at a religious gathering at Kalamassery, killing one person and injuring over 20. Heartfelt condolences to the kin of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Kerala Raj Bhavan said.
Kerala blast news: Two people on ventilator support; one other critical
Ganesh Mohan, the resident medical officer at Kalamassery Medical College says, that 10 people have been admitted with burn injuries.
"Right now, we have, 10 patients in the Burn ICU of which, 2 are on ventilator, and 1 more is critical. Everybody has been given adequate treatment..." he tells ANI.
Kerala blast news: Low-intensity timer device used
Preliminary findings from the blast indicate that it was a low-intensity explosion with no shrapnel.
Investigators have determined that the explosive device used was a timer-based device, as batteries and wires were discovered at the scene, according to senior officials aware of the development. Read on.
Kerala blast news: DGP says examining all the angles
Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb says that the police is examining all the angles in the blast case.
Kerala blast news: Police to form SIT
Kerala DGP adds that an Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to investigate the blast at the Kalamassery convention centre.
Kerala blast news: DGP asks public not to spread hate messages
The Kerala DGP has asked the public not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media and warned of stringent action for doing so, reports PTI.
Kerala blast news: Explosives were kept in tiffin box, sources say
According to people familiar with the development, the explosives were kept in a tiffin box. The blast was reported around 9.40 am.
Kerala blast news: Initial findings suggest IED use, explosives kept in tiffin box
According to Kerala DGP, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used in the blast. Preliminary findings of the Kerala Police suggest that low intensity explosives were used in the attack.
Kerala blast news: DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb briefs on situation
Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb says that all senior officials of the police are at the spot.
"Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action..."
Kerala blast news: District Collector says over 30 injured in blast
Ernakulam District Collector says that 36 people have been injured in the blast. Of them, ten sustained burn injuries, according to PTI.
Kerala blast news: Health staff on leave asked to return
According to ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has asked all hospitals in the area to alert also health workers, who are on leave, to return immediately.
Kerala blast news: Amit Shah dials CM Pinarayi Vijayan
In a phone with Pinarayi Vijayan, Home Minister Amit Shah has taken stock of the situation, reports PTI.
Kerala blast news: Visuals from outsident the convention centre
Kerala blast news: Cong MP Shashi Tharoor expresses shock
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed shock and dismay over the incident. Condemning the incident, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said that it's tragic to see Kerala falling prey to the mentality of killing and destruction.
"I urge all religious leaders to united in condemning such barbarism and teaching their followers that violence archives nothing but more violence," Tharoor wrote on X.
Kerala blast news: NSG rushed to blast site
Teams of counter-terror sleuths and National Security Guards (NSG) have been sent to the Jehovah Witnesses Church in Kochi's Kalamassery after the blast.
The blast took place at 9.40 am in the church during which over 2,500 persons were present. More details about the incident here.
Kerala blast news: ‘We are collecting details,’ says CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says that his government is collecting details regarding the incident, reports ANI.
“It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously,” Vijayan said. “I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.”
Kerala blast news: Visuals from Ernakulam
The police, medical and fire rescue services have been pressed into action in Kochi.
Kerala blast news: Site of explosion cordoned off, says minister
According to Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev, the blast site has been cordoned off. The police and fire rescue teams have been pressed into action, according to PTI.
Kerala blast news: Top officials, ATS at spot
The explosion occurred during a prayer meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses. Top police officials, including Kerala ATS, is at the spot.
Kerala blast news: Explosion reported in Kochi, one killed
One person has been killed and over 20 were injured in a blast at a convention centre of a Christian group in Kochi on Sunday morning. The cause of the blast is being probed.