Union Home Minister Amit Shah dials Kerala CM, directs NIA, NSG to probe Kochi blasts

After three low-intensity blasts rocked a Jehova prayer meet at a convention centre in Kalamassery, Kochi, on Sunday morning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialled Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation in the state. He further instructed anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) and anti-terror force team National Security Guard (NSG) to reach the spot and start an inquiry into the incident. 

People who were present at the convention centre told reporters that the blast occurred in the middle of a prayer.

"The home minister spoke to the Kerala chief minister to take stock of the situation after the blast. The chief minister briefed the home minister about the incident," a source told a news agency.

Incident unfortunate, says Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed grief over the the explosions that claimed the life of a woman and injured several others. Around 35 people have been admitted to the hospital, with 10 being critically injured.

Vijayan, who's in Delhi to attend a pro-Palestine meet, said, "Kerala DGP, other senior police officers are on their way to Kalamassery blast site and the situtation being viewed seriously."

He added, "It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. THe DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to the DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation."

People who were present at the convention centre told media that the first blast occurred in the middle of a prayer.

"Subsequently, we heard two more blasts," an old lady who was inside the centre said.

What are the state authorities doing?

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to provide the best treatment to those injured in the Kalamasery explosion.

"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", said Kerala Health Minister.

Also, State Industries Minister P Rajeev said the blast site is cordoned off and police and fire rescue teams have been pressed into service.

Rajeev said that reportedly few of the injured have suffered serious burns. He stated that all medical aid and facilities are available at the Kalamassery Medical College and if required, the injured can be shifted to other hospitals.

Meanwhile, Kerala LoP and state Congress President VD Satheesan says, "I was told that there were two blasts and there was a fire. First, there was a major blast. The second one was minor. One lady died and many are in the hospital. Seven persons are in the ICU unit. Around 2,000 people (were present) at the event."

What the police stated?

As per the preliminary findings by Kerala police, low-intensity explosives were used in the attack. The explosives were filled in tiffin boxes. The cops had earlier stated that they received a call at around 9am in the morning regarding the explosions at the centre.

(With inputs from agencies)