Kerala bomb blast: Suspect Dominic Martin sent to judicial custody until November 29

A Kerala court on Tuesday, October 31, sent Dominic Martin, the man accused of the Kochi bomb blasts to judicial custody until November 29. Martin was arrested in connection with an explosion that killed three people and injured 50 others at a Christian religious gathering in Kerala.

Sessions Court Judge Honey M. Varghese, in his decision, ordered Dominic Martin to be held in judicial custody until November 29.

Despite the court's repeated offers of legal aid representation, Martin chose to represent himself and declined the assistance of a lawyer. The police informed the court of their intent to file an application for a Test Identification Parade to asses Martin's honesty before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on Wednesday. After this, the police will seek custody of Martin.

During the day, Martin was taken to his residence in Athani for the collection of evidence, a police officer told PTI. They also said that the suspect had worked abroad for 17 years, held a well-paying job and was regarded as a "very intelligent" individual.

Subsequently, Martin will be transferred to the Kakkanad district jail near Kochi. On Monday, the police formally recorded Martin's arrest after he surrendered a few hours following the Sunday morning blasts.

In addition to Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to punishment for murder, and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, Martin is charged under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as well.

The explosions occurred at a convention centre in Kalamassery near Kochi, where a prayer meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the US in the 19th century, was being held on Sunday.

Shortly after the incidents, Martin, who identified himself as an estranged former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, surrendered to the police in the Thrissur district of the state and admitted responsibility for the multiple explosions. Prior to surrendering, he posted a video on social media explaining his motives for carrying out the blasts.

A 21-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police, under the leadership of ADGP Ajith Kumar, has been established to investigate the case. Initially, one woman lost her life, and more than 50 individuals sustained injuries, with six of them in critical condition, due to the explosions.

Tragically, one of the six critically wounded, a 53-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries. The death toll has now risen to three, with the unfortunate passing of a 12-year-old girl who suffered 95% burns in the incident. Presently, 21 people are undergoing treatment at various healthcare facilities, with three of them in critical condition.