On Sunday, October 29, in Kalamassery, Kerala state, southern India, an explosion at the Zamra International Convention Center disrupted a prayer session attended by hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The explosion led to the tragic deaths of three individuals and injured 50 more.
A woman lost her life immediately following the explosion, another passed away a few hours after the incident, and a 12-year-old girl later died from her burn injuries.
Authorities were quick to respond to the situation. The chief police officer of Kerala state, Sheik Darvesh Saheb, shared that initial investigations suggest the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device.
Following the incident, the police detained Dominic Martin, a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, based on certain leads. Before his arrest, Martin uploaded a video on Facebook in which he claimed responsibility for the explosion. This video is now a crucial piece of evidence and is being thoroughly examined by the authorities. In the video, Martin voiced his disagreements with the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He highlighted their belief that only Jehovah’s Witnesses would be saved while the rest of the world would face destruction. Martin questioned how one should approach those who desire the annihilation of the entire human race. He confessed his struggle in finding an answer and expressed his concerns about the potential risks such beliefs pose to the nation.
Although Martin’s confession in the video has given a direction to the investigation, the police are still working diligently to verify the authenticity of his claims.
The incident has not only shaken the local community in Kerala but has also drawn international attention. Jehovah’s Witnesses, while recognized as Christians, have unique beliefs and practices. They are notably known for their door-to-door evangelism.
The need for enhanced security measures at places of worship and large gatherings has been a recurring topic of discussion, especially in the wake of tragic events like this one.
