The death toll from the devastating explosion that occurred during a prayer meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala, has tragically risen to five, as a 45-year-old woman named Sally Pradeep succumbed to her injuries on Saturday evening. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by officials who stated, “She passed away yesterday at approximately 10.30 pm.”

This unfortunate incident also claimed the life of Sally Pradeep’s daughter, Libna, earlier this month due to severe burn injuries. Additionally, Sally Pradeep’s brother remains in critical condition, as reported by officials.

In response to the tragedy, the State Health Department has established a special Medical Board to closely monitor the health status of the individuals injured in the blast, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care and attention, according to officials.

The series of explosions occurred during a prayer gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Kalamassery area of Kochi on October 29, shocking the local community.

One of the suspects involved in these multiple blasts, Dominic Martin, has been remanded to police custody for ten days until November 15. The Kerala Police have revealed that the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) operated remotely. Dominic Martin has been charged under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and Explosive Substances Act.

According to the police, evidence links the accused to the purchase of materials used in the IED blast. Dominic Martin reportedly filmed videos while procuring these items from various locations. In his statements, Martin expressed his belief that Jehovah’s Witnesses and their ideology posed a threat to the nation and needed to be eradicated from the state.

Following the blasts, Kochi Police promptly apprehended Dominic Martin based on a self-incriminating confession video he posted on Facebook, claiming responsibility for the explosions at the Zamra International Convention Centre in Kalamassery. The convention had attracted over 2,000 attendees, consisting of Jehovah’s Witnesses followers, who had gathered for a prayer meeting earlier that month. In response to these shocking incidents, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the formation of a 20-member investigative team to thoroughly probe the matter.