Kalamassery blasts: Death toll rises to 6 as 26-year-old succumbs to burns
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Kochi: The death toll in the October 29 blasts at Kalamassery has risen to 6 after a 26-year-old man died from injuries on Friday.
Praveen Pradeepan is the third of his family to die days after the blast at a convention centre here when Jehovah’s Witnesses meeting was underway.
His sister Libina, aged 12, and his mother Sally Pradeepan, aged 45 were already succumbed to injuries, while his brother Rahul aged 24 continues to be in critical condition, according to The News Minute.
The blasts that shocked Kerala took place on the third and final day of Jehovah’s Witnesses convention.
A few hours after the blast, a man named Dominic Martin, claimed to be a former member of the group, took the responsibility for the attack.
He claimed to have committed the heinous act protesting against the group’s religious teachings.
Martin has since been under arrest facing charges under sections of murder, Explosive Substances Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Following the blast a woman identified as Layona Paulose, aged 60, hailing from Kuruppampady, died immediately from severe burns.
Later on the same day, the 53-year-old Kumari from Thodupuzha, Idukki also succumbed to injuries.
A couple of days later, the 61-year-old Kochi native Molly Joy also died succumbing to more than 79 per cent burns.
Praveen's father Pradeepan and seriously injured brother Rahul are the only ones of the family remain alive now.
Pradeepan was not at the convention centre at the time of the blasts.
The Kerala government on Wednesday announced Rs 5 lakh to each of the bereaved families.