Kochi: Dominic Martin, the main accused in the Kalamassery bomb blast incident, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a 12-year-old girl, has been remanded to police custody for ten days, until November 15.
Before appearing in the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, Martin was subjected to a medical examination at a hospital by the Kochi police. The Principal Sessions Court subsequently approved the custody application for Dominic Martin. During the proceedings, the court inquired whether the accused had been subjected to any mistreatment by the police, to which Dominic Martin denied and expressed gratitude for the police’s conduct. He also informed the court that he is in good health and willing to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The court further asked if the accused required legal representation, a request that Dominic Martin declined at this time. The court assured him that he could seek legal assistance later, if needed, ultimately granting the police custody extension until November 15.
According to police, Dominic Martin is considered highly intelligent and hardworking, having a well-paying job. They assert that he was not brainwashed.
The police investigation has indicated that the explosion was triggered by a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The tragic event claimed the lives of four people and left over 50 individuals with injuries. Dominic Martin has been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act.
The arrest of Martin occurred after the police discovered a self-made confession video posted on Facebook in which he claimed responsibility for the blasts at the Zamra International Convention Centre in Kalamassery. The incident took place on October 29, during a gathering of more than 2,000 followers of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian sect, attending a prayer meeting.
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