- Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Dominic Martin claimed in a social media video post that he took the decision to carry out the blasts as he felt the teachings of the organisation were “seditious”.
By: Shubham Ghosh
DOMINIC Martin, the main suspect in the serial blasts at a prayer meeting in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Sunday (29), has claimed to have learned bomb-making from the internet. Three people, including two women and a 12-year-old girl, were killed in the explosions while 50 were injured.
India’s NDTV reported citing sources that the 48-year-old Martin, who is known to be an expert in electric circuits, says he spent about Rs 3,000 (£29.6) to make the explosives.
Martin’s family had been residing at a rented accommodation near the port city of Kochi for the last five years. He previously worked in the Middle East where he reportedly learned the art of putting together an electronic device.
Martin returned to India a couple of months ago to carry out the mission, sources added.
According to them, the initial probe suggested that the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were made of low-grade materials that are used in firecrackers burst during festivals. They added that Martin assembled the IEDs at home.
He placed the explosives inside a hall to kill people taking part in the Jehovah’s Witnesses convention.
He also posted a video message on a social media platform before surrendering before the police. There, he claimed that he took the decision to carry out the blasts as he felt the teachings of the Christian organisation were “seditious”.
Martin alleged that the community was giving wrong lessons to people, including children.
He had asked them to stop but when they allegedly refused, Martin decided to make the extreme move. At least three blasts were reported within minutes after the prayer meeting began.
The elite counter-terror outfit National Investigation Agency swung into action to probe after Indian home minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan.
