New Delhi: Amid heightening communal tensions in Kerala’s Christian community, the Delhi Police has announced tightened security measures across the capital after four blasts occurred during a prayer meeting of the Christian Jehovah’s Witness community in Kochi.
Four coordinated blasts have rocked Kerala, after the Christian commune hosted a prayer meet in support of Israel, condoling the deceased.
This incident occurred barely 12 hours after former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal appeared in Kerala via a virtual address at a pro-Palestine rally in Malappuram. The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinnarayi Vijayan, was in Delhi protesting against India’s decision to abstain from a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, when the blasts occurred.
FLASH: #Delhi Police sources have said that the police has issued high alert in the national capital after four coordinated bomb #blasts rocked the state of #Kerala, as they went off at a convention centre hosting a prayer meet of the Jehovah’s Witness.
Reports @iatulkrishan1
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) October 29, 2023
The Delhi Police immediately took action to enhance security. Special arrangements have been made near Israeli residences and the Israel High Commission.
A senior police official stated, ‘All necessary and appropriate measures have been put in place. We have increased patrolling and security checks in crowded markets.’
FLASH: #Kerala Minister VN Vasavan said that the woman had not died from the blast but the fire. He added that only one person is critical while the 36 are in a stable condition. They have been admitted to Aster Medicity, Rajagiri and Sunrise — all in the adjoining region.
“It… pic.twitter.com/4XLIr7reis
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) October 29, 2023
Sources have reported that they are monitoring all suspicious activities to prevent any untoward incident. The Special Cell has been tasked with keeping an eye on all suspects to prevent major mishaps.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and another from the National Security Guard (NSG) are already in Kochi.
Sources in the NIA have indicated that, as initial information suggested that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used in the blast. Presently, the NIA has taken over the case.
As of now, one elderly woman has been reported dead while another 52 have been reported injured, of which one is reportedly critical. Among the injured include many children who suffered due to the stampede-like situation.
Presently, 18 of the 52 are in ICU, 10 have been admitted to wards, while six are in critical condition.
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