Delhi, Mumbai on high alert after Kerala blast; security ramped up at crowded places
Kerala blast: Following Sunday's serial blasts at a Jehovah's Witness prayer meeting at a convention centre in Kerala's Kalamassery, security has been increased in the national capital Delhi and Mumbai.
In light of the blasts, the Delhi Police have increased security in crowded areas of the city. Similarly, in light of the festive season, upcoming cricket matches, and recent blasts in Kerala, the Mumbai Police has issued a high alert and increased security. Because of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, security has already been increased at Chabad House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai.
"The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," the Delhi Police stated.
A series of explosions at the convention centre took place shortly after a prayer meeting. The explosions killed one person and injured 36 others. Nearly 2,000 people attended the meeting, which was held in Kalamassery, about 10 kilometres from Kochi. Today was the last day of a three-day prayer gathering that began on October 27.
According to Kerala Police, an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack, and a special investigation team (SIT) will be formed to look into the matter. According to sources, the explosive was hidden in a tiffin box.
Following the string of explosions, Home Minister Amit Shah called Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Shah directed the heads of the NIA and the National Security Guard, two central agencies specializing in counterterrorism investigations and operations, to dispatch specialized teams to the scene to begin an investigation.
- With inputs from agencies
