On Sunday, October 29, in Kalamassery, Kerala state, southern India, a sudden explosion at the Zamra International Convention Center halted a prayer service attended by hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The aftermath of the explosion saw three individuals dead and another 50 injured.
The explosion claimed the life of a woman on the spot. A few hours later, another woman passed away, and a 12-year-old girl died due to her burn injuries.
The rapid response from authorities led to the involvement of Kerala state’s chief police officer, Sheik Darvesh Saheb. He mentioned that the preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device.
In a significant turn of events, the police detained Dominic Martin, who had previously been a part of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. Before his arrest, Martin shared a video on Facebook, in which he took responsibility for the explosion. This video is now a central piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. In his statement, Martin criticized the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, particularly their belief that only Jehovah’s Witnesses would survive a global catastrophe. Martin expressed his concerns about how society should view those who wish for global annihilation. He acknowledged his struggle with these beliefs and emphasized the potential dangers they could bring to the nation.
Although the video provides a clear direction for the investigation, authorities are meticulously verifying the claims made by Martin.
The incident has not only raised alarms in Kerala but has also garnered international attention. Jehovah’s Witnesses, while being a part of the Christian community, have their own set of unique beliefs and practices. Their door-to-door evangelism is one of their most recognized activities.
The incident has reignited discussions about the necessity of stringent security measures at places of worship and other large gatherings, especially considering the potential risks associated with such events.
