Kerala Govt withdraws UAPA charges against Kalamassery blast accused Dominic Martin

Kochi: The Kerala government has withdrawn the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) charges against Dominic Martin, the main accused in last year’s Kalamassery blast at the Samra Convention Centre. The explosion, which occurred on October 29 during a Jehovah’s Witness prayer service, tragically claimed six lives.

The UAPA charges against Martin have now been officially removed following a decision made by the Kerala government and the state’s UAPA review committee. This move is taken by the government based on political stance. 

Earlier, concerns were raised within the Left against the use of UAPA in the Pantheerankavu Maoist case. In response, the government has now opted to withdraw UAPA charges in the Kalamassery case as well. 

The explosion occurred at 9:40 am at the Samra international convention centre on October 29. Around 23 people were injured in the explosion. The injured were shifted to the Kalamassery Medical College and other private hospitals. The convention centre was hosting a regional convention of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Eyewitness accounts claimed that three explosions had taken place in a span of few minutes.

Martin Dominic, the accused had apparently posted a Facebook video claiming responsibility for the attack. He also told police that he preserved the evidence so that nobody else takes credit for the blasts. He had later surrendered at the police station.

Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a religious movement that is related to Adventism --the doctrine that the second coming of Christ and the end of the world are near at hand.