Death Toll Rises to Five in Blasts at Christian Gathering, Victim Identified as Sally Pradeepan

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The death toll resulting from the devastating blasts that rocked a Christian religious gathering near the city two weeks ago has tragically risen to five, according to the latest update from the Kerala government. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Sally Pradeepan from Malayattoor in Ernakulam district. Sally, who had been on ventilator support, passed away at a private hospital on Saturday night, as reported in the government health bulletin.

These blasts, which took place on October 29 at a convention centre in Kalamassery, have left a trail of destruction and despair. Currently, a total of 17 individuals who sustained injuries in the incident are being treated at various hospitals in the area, as stated in the medical bulletin issued by a dedicated board formed to address the medical needs of the victims. Among them, eight are in the intensive care unit, with one in critical condition, while the remaining nine are recovering in regular wards.

The blasts occurred during a religious gathering organized by a Christian sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The incident claimed the lives of a 12-year-old girl named Libina from Malayattoor, who succumbed to her injuries on October 30 at the Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital, and two women who were also part of the gathering and lost their lives on the day of the blasts.

Tragically, the loss of life continued to mount when 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery passed away at a private hospital on November 6. The blasts, which occurred at an international convention centre in Kalamassery, located near this coastal city in Kerala, resulted in over 50 people sustaining injuries, some of them severe. These individuals had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting organized by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In the aftermath of the shocking incident, a man named Dominic Martin, claiming to be an estranged member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, surrendered himself to the police in Thrissur district. He confessed to carrying out the multiple blasts that caused extensive harm and loss of life. The police subsequently arrested Martin and charged him under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder, as well as Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act. Additionally, relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have also been invoked against him.

The investigation into these horrific blasts continues, as authorities work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the incident and determine any other potential individuals involved. The local community remains in shock and mourning as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved ones. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures and vigilance to prevent such acts of violence in the future..