Kerala Blasts: Accused Dominic Martin Learnt Bomb-Making Online, Police To Probe His Gulf Link

The police formally recorded the arrest of Dominic Martin, a native of Kochi, who had voluntarily surrendered to the authorities the previous day following the explosion at a Jehovah's Witnesses prayer meeting. Martin is facing multiple charges, including those under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, murder, and conspiracy.

On the same day, the police accompanied Martin to various locations to gather evidence and corroborate his statements. Martin provided the police with details on how he had constructed the explosive device, including the purchase of explosives from a local firework shop in Tripunithura and petrol from a fuel station in Kochi. The police also conducted an inspection of the terrace at Martin's ancestral home in Aluva, where he allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device (IED).

Martin's surrender occurred after the explosion, and he reportedly submitted evidence to the authorities, including initial footage of himself detonating the bomb.

In a confession shared on social media, Martin explained that he resorted to this extreme action after the Jehovah's Witnesses failed to address his demands for reform. He further alleged that the religious sect was involved in spreading hatred against other communities.

The police investigation is ongoing, with a focus on determining whether Martin had any external support in carrying out the crime. It has been reported that he returned from a Gulf country, where he worked as an electrical foreman, after learning about the upcoming three-day convention. Visual evidence of his arrival at the convention center has been recovered.

The Jehovah's Witnesses issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the heinous attack on their peaceful community in Kerala. They emphasized that the gathering was intended for the purpose of receiving free education on the Bible. They also expressed gratitude to the authorities for investigating the crime and providing security for their places of worship. At this time, they refrained from speculating about the perpetrator(s) or their motives. The statement concluded with a message of hope for a future without violence, as described in the Bible.