Death Toll Rises to Five in Blasts at Christian Religious Gathering in Kerala

The death toll from the blasts that occurred at a Christian religious gathering in Kerala two weeks ago has now risen to five, according to the state government. Sally Pradeepan, a 45-year-old victim from Malayattoor in Ernakulam district, passed away at a private hospital on Saturday night. She had been on ventilator support. Currently, 17 individuals injured in the blasts are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, with eight in intensive care, including one in critical condition, and the remaining nine in regular wards, as reported by a medical board overseeing their care.

The blasts took place at a religious gathering of Jehovah's Witnesses on October 29. The incident resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl named Libina from Malayattoor, who succumbed to her injuries on October 30 at the Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital. Two women also lost their lives on the day of the blasts. Another victim, 61-year-old Moly Joy from Kalamassery, died at a private hospital on November 6.

Over 50 people were injured, some seriously, during the multiple blasts at an international convention center near the port city of Kerala. The gathering was the culmination of a three-day-long prayer meeting for Jehovah's Witnesses. Shortly after the incident, a man named Dominic Martin, claiming to be an estranged member of Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered to the police in Thrissur district, admitting responsibility for the blasts. He has been arrested and charged with murder, as well as other relevant sections of the law.

The investigation into the blasts is ongoing, and the police are working to gather more information about the motive behind the attack. Authorities are also providing support and medical assistance to the injured victims and their families. The incident has raised concerns about religious gatherings and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.