KOCHI: The death toll in the October 29 Kalamassery blasts rose to four after a 61-year-old woman who was on ventilator support at Ernakulam Medical Centre (EMC) breathed her last on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court sent Dominic Martin, 57, the sole accused in the case, to 10-day police custody.
Aluva native Molly Joy had suffered 80% burn injuries in the blasts that rocked the Jehovah's Witnesses prayer meeting at Zamra International Convention Centre in Kalamassery. Molly was being treated at Rajagiri Hospital and later shifted to the EMC at her family’s request. She passed away around 5 am. The body was handed over to Molly’s family after a postmortem examination later in the day.
As for Martin, the police will utilise his custody period to investigate whether he had any international links and received any financial and technical support to carry out the blasts. The custody application specifies the need to transport Martin to various locations to collect evidence.
The police will also conduct a forensic examination of his mobile phone and social media accounts to ascertain whether anyone else aided him. Martin has already submitted evidence, including video footage, that supports his involvement in making the improvised explosive devices used in the blasts.
Martin has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act, and Section 302 of the IPC (murder).
Under care
18 victims under treatment
11 of them in ICU
1 patient critical
Rajagiri hospital 4
Aster Medcity 4
San Joe Hospital 2
Sunrise Hospital 2
EMC 5
Kalamassery MCH 1