Death Toll Rises to Five in Kochi Blasts, Victim Identified as Sally Pradeepan

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Kochi Blasts: Death Toll Rises to Five as Victim Succumbs to Injuries

Kochi, Kerala – The tragic incident that shook a Christian religious gathering near Kochi two weeks ago has claimed another life, bringing the death toll to five, according to the Kerala government’s latest update on Sunday.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Sally Pradeepan from Malayattoor in Ernakulam district, passed away at a private hospital on Saturday night. She had been receiving critical care on a ventilator, as stated in a government health bulletin. The unfortunate news further highlights the severity of the blasts and the toll it has taken on the victims and their families.

Currently, 17 individuals who sustained injuries during the blasts are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the area. A medical board, specially constituted to oversee the treatment of the wounded, released a bulletin providing details of their conditions. Amongst the injured, eight are currently in the intensive care unit (ICU), with one individual in critical condition, while the remaining nine are in regular wards.

The blasts occurred on October 29 during a religious gathering organized by a Christian sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The incident, which took place at an international convention center in Kalamassery, near the port city of Kochi, resulted in over 50 people sustaining injuries, some of them severe.

Tragically, the first victim, a 12-year-old girl named Libina from Malayattoor, succumbed to her injuries on October 30 at the Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital. On the same day, two women who were also attending the gathering lost their lives. Furthermore, on November 6, 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery passed away at a private hospital, bringing the death toll to four before Sally Pradeepan’s unfortunate demise.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting when the multiple blasts occurred, leaving the attendees in shock and distress. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, leaving both physical and emotional scars on those affected.

Shortly after the blasts, a man named Dominic Martin, claiming to be an estranged member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, surrendered to the police in Thrissur district, asserting that he was responsible for the multiple explosions. The police promptly recorded his arrest and charged him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 302 (punishment for murder) and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act. Additionally, sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) were invoked against Martin.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their families. The incident has not only left a deep scar on the Christian community but has also raised concerns about security measures during religious gatherings. The need to ensure the safety of individuals attending such events is paramount, and steps must be taken to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

The state government and law enforcement agencies are actively working together to ensure the safety and well-being of the injured individuals and their families. They are also taking necessary measures to tighten security protocols to prevent such incidents from recurring. The community as a whole must come together to support the affected families and work towards healing and reassurance.

The Kochi blasts have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the region, reminding everyone of the importance of unity, resilience, and the urgent need for enhanced security measures..