At least 1 killed and 40 injured in serial blasts in Kerala : Updates

At least 1 killed and 40 injured as a result of serial blasts inside a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala. A religious prayer service was in progress when there were reports of explosions. According to preliminary findings, there were at least three explosions within a short span of time. Witnesses reported hearing the first bomb at approximately 9.40 a.m. Over 2,000 individuals were in attendance at a Jehovah's Witnesses convention session that was taking place as part of their three-day events at the convention center.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the bombings "unfortunate" and said the situation is being "viewed seriously."   Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the state Chief Minister. The National Investigation Team arrived on the scene to collect samples, and the central agency will probe into the matter. Additionally, the anti-terror unit was dispatched immediately. An 8 member NSG team is expected to reach the spot by this evening.

Updates :

• ​The Public Relation Department of Kerala has informed that another person has died in the Kalamassery serial blast. Currently, the death toll stands at 2.

• ​A man has surrendered claiming responsibility for the serial blasts. Kerala ADGP MR Ajith Kumar said, "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case."

• ​In light of the serial blasts in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh SDG Law and Order Prashant Kumar has instructed all districts to remain on high alert. All security agencies have been notified, and teams are currently reviewing the information received over the last couple of days. Special surveillance has been ordered in various districts, including Kanpur, Meerut, Varanasi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Hapur, Baghpat, Bareilly, Rampur, and Agra.

• ​52 persons have been admitted to various hospitals after the serial blasts at a convention center, said Kerala Health Minister Veena George. "52 people are admitted to different hospitals. Among the six people who are critically injured, one is a 12-year-old child. The rest of the injured are in other private hospital. The one person who died has not been identified yet," said the Health Minister.

• ​Congress MLA of Kerala's Thrikakara, Uma Thomas, said that the "situation is under control" following a series of blasts that occurred during a prayer meeting at the Zamra International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Kalamassery part of the Ernakulam district on Sunday. "I went to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital. The situation is under control. Only one serious case is there. They are shifting that patient to another private hospital”, said the MLA.

• In the aftermath of the Kalamassery bomb, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has convened an all-party meeting in the state capital on Monday.

• Kalamassery Medical College's RMO released details about the patients’ undergoing treatment at the hospital. "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”, said the RMO.

• In the wake of the serial blasts that occurred during a Jehovah's Witnesses prayer meet at a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala, security has been stepped up in Delhi and Mumbai. The Delhi Police have stated that security has been beefed up in the city's populated districts. Similarly, the Mumbai Police has issued a high alert and enhanced security in light of the holiday season, upcoming cricket matches, and the serial blasts in Kerala.​
  

• The Kerala DGP stated that initial findings point to the usage of an IED (improvised explosive device) in the explosions, with the possibility that it was stored in a "tiffin box." Incendiary device use is also being looked at.​
  

• Kerala DGP issues warning against hate messages on social media in the wake of serial blasts. Considering the sensitivity of the situation and since official statements are still awaited, top cop has warned the public to not spread provocative or hate messages on social media that could further complicate situations.
  

• Karnataka government sounds alert after Kerala blast. Security beefed up in border areas. "We have sent an alert message (to cops). We don't have details on who carried out Kerala blast and how it happened. Instructions have been given to the IG and Commissioner to monitor the Mangalore border diligently.” said Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar.
  

• Multiple blasts at Ernakulam in Kerala. One dead and at least 20 injured. Blasts happened inside a convention centre. More details awaited. Home minister Amit Shah spoke with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. NIA rushed to the spot