Police to investigate possibility of terrorist attack in Kalamassery, Centre asks to submit report soon, Amit Shah seeks information

KOCHI: The police are investigating the possibility of a terrorist attack in the case of an explosion during a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalamassery. The state anti-terrorist squad has also reached the spot. The DGP will reach the spot soon. The central government has also sought information on the incident and has directed to submit the preliminary report as soon as possible. It has also been directed to examine the possibility of terrorist attacks. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the chief minister. Reports said the centre has directed NSG team to reach the spot and probe. NIA will also probe the incident.

The police said that the cause of the explosion will be clear only after the investigation. ADGP in charge of law and order and ADGP Intelligence have reached the spot. Minister Rajeev has also reached the spot. The chief minister informed that the incident is seen seriously. CPM state secretary M V Govindan has also demanded that the police should seriously investigate the explosion.

A woman was killed and more than 25 people were injured in the blast that happened Sunday morning. It is reported that the condition of some of them is serious. The explosion took place at the Samra International Convention Center near the Medical College in Kalamassery. Today was the last day of the conference which has been going on since October 27.

It is reported that more than 2000 people participated in the conference. The injured were shifted to Kalamassery Medical College.

The first explosion was in the center of the hall. Eyewitnesses said three four small explosions followed later.

The blast was during prayers. The injured fell down screaming. The chairs in the hall caught fire in the explosion. The women and children ran out screaming. The fire was extinguished by the fire brigade. More police have reached the spot. The police said that it is not possible to say what happened now and the reason will be clear only after the investigation.

Hospitals warned
Health Minister Veena George directed the director of health department and director of medical education department to provide better treatment. Hospitals have been alerted. The minister directed all health workers, including doctors, who are on leave to return immediately. Instructions were also given to prepare additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College. The service of more staffs will be provided. The minister also directed to provide facilities in other hospitals of the district.