All evidence and investigation have concluded that Martin Dominic, the man from Kochi who claimed responsibility for the Sunday Kerala blasts, is behind the attack, sources said.
Three people lost their lives in what witnesses and security agencies said were multiple explosions during a Jehovah’s Witness’s gathering at a convention centre in Kalamassery area of Kerala’s Ernakulam district on Sunday morning.
Top Intelligence sources told News18 that enough evidence has been gathered to support claims made by Martin Dominic on social media, adding that he had serious differences with Jehova’s Witnesses due to various reasons. Follow Kerala Blasts LIVE Updates Here
Identifying himself as Martin in the video, the man alleged that he took the decision as the teachings of the organisation were “seditious.” No one from the organisation has reacted to his allegations so far.
Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ are a group of Christians who do not identify as protestants. Jehovah’s Witnesses disagree with teachings of the Catholic Church, however, they do not consider themselves to be Protestants for multiple reasons, one being Protestant beliefs conflicting with “what the Bible actually teaches”.
The Jehovah Witness Convention is an annual gathering wherein larger assemblies called “Regional Conventions” take place which are usually three days long, Friday-Sunday. These conventions consist primarily of Bible-based talks, dramatisations, and videos of their preaching work. Their website, jw.org, describes them as being “different from other religious groups that are called Christian.”
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According to jw.org, website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, India has about 56,747 Ministers who teach the Bible.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the “Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity” — the doctrine which defines that God exists in three equal persons of the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. “We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others,” jw.org reads.
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate Christmas or Easter, because they believe such festivals to be inspired by Pagan traditions.
Motive Behind Kerala Blasts
Intel sources said that Martin Dominic wanted to teach Jehovah’s Witnesses a “lesson” which is why he decided to carry out the attack.
Martin Dominic, who no one suspected because of his proximity to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, was miffed with the Christian sect because of their peculiar stands of not singing national anthem or hoisting national flag , not celebrating Christmas and not recognising other Christians.
He, sources said, used locally made bombs with the help of potassium nitrate, with some oil added to the same that may have caused fire. His intention was not to kill but to leave an impact so that his point of view is accepted sources added.
In his interrogation, Martin Dominic revealed that he fought with Jehovah’s Witnesses many times in the past and wanted to teach them a lesson, sources said.
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In several occasions, Martin Dominic claimed he had frequently cited the unity among Muslims as a powerful example, urging Jehovah’s Witnesses to come together in the name of their faith.
In the investigation, Martin Dominic said he, for the past four years, had consistently asked Jehovah’s Witnesses to refrain from actions that could be perceived as contrary to the interests of the country, all the while raising concerns over the sect “taking money from the country”.
Who is Martin Dominic and How He Made The Bombs
During the investigation, Martin Dominic said he identifies as a “liberal reformist”, sources told News18. Dominic is a construction employee and was working with a Dubai-based company.
He came on leave two months back and knew about this congregation. He plan to carry out an attack of this kind was during Covid, but could not come to India due to travel restrictions.
He watched YouTube videos on making triggering devices and bought petrol from fuel pump and used thread bombs which are used for celebrations, Intel sources revealed.
Dominic put heating coils, which are also locally available, around this and used a toy car remote as triggering device remote. He said he has no support from anyone and has a small family with a wife, son and daughter.