Kalamassery blast: NIA to take over case, foreign links under investigation

KOCHI: Following the arrest of the individual responsible for the bomb blast during a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalamassery, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a preliminary investigation report to the director for the case's takeover. The accused, Dominic, was arrested from his residence in Chilavannur Velikakat, Tammanam following 29 hours of proceedings. He is scheduled to appear in court today. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Samra Convention Center where the blast occurred and the hospitals housing the injured.

Currently, six people remain in the intensive care unit, with two in critical condition. A total of 21 individuals are receiving medical treatment. The release of the bodies of Libina (12) and Leona (55), who lost their lives in the blast will be done after a DNA test.

The National Security Guard (NSG) concluded its inspection of the Samra Convention Center yesterday afternoon, involving a re-enactment of the explosion to determine the nature of the blast. The convention centre and its surroundings are now under NSG surveillance. The bomb squad recovered electronic circuitry and battery debris, which has been handed over for scientific examination.

Dominic Martin was subjected to extensive questioning by the NIA. His arrest was made based on accumulated evidence, and he claimed that the explosion was carried out as a pre-emptive measure, given his opposition to the Jehovah's Witnesses and his belief that their teachings were treasonous.

Why NIA?

The nature of the explosion suggests a level of expertise and planning beyond the accused.

Dominic had been living abroad for years, indicating a possible foreign connection to the planning.

The police have charged UAPA, murder and sedition.

The components required for making the bomb were procured from various places in Kochi.

8 litres of petrol for IED was procured from various pumps.

Explosives were brought to the hall wrapped in a plastic cover

Five agencies carrying out investigation

Central and state agencies have concluded that there are dimensions beyond what the accused has said. The investigation will extend to the abroad life of the accused.

The police

The target of the explosion, the mystery, the confession, Dominic's background, relationships.

Anti Terrorist Squad

Extremism in the blasts, connections and background of the accused.

N.I.A

Actions Against National Security, Terrorism, Domestic-Foreign Relations, Social Media Relations, and Organizational Relations.

NSG

Method of explosion, materials used, intensity, and threat to national security.

IB, Special branch

Collection of information related to explosion.