Following the recent blasts at a Christian prayer meet in Kerala, investigating officers have described Dominic Martin, the alleged perpetrator who surrendered to the police, as a “brilliant mind.” Martin’s background as a former high-earning employee in the Gulf has left authorities baffled about his motives.
According to police officials, Martin voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, providing valuable information about the assembly process and materials used in the explosion that resulted in the loss of three lives and left over 50 others injured. His decision to relinquish a prosperous overseas career for such a shocking act has raised questions among investigators.
During his surrender, Martin presented bills for materials and petrol purchases linked to the construction of the explosive devices, strengthening the case against him. Notably, his expertise in electronics has deepened the mystery surrounding the case, leaving authorities puzzled.
On Tuesday, Martin, wearing a face-covering mask, appeared before the court. Despite being offered legal assistance, he opted to represent himself, emphasizing that it was a conscious choice rather than a result of financial constraints.
The accused is now facing charges under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder, Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act, and relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The blasts occurred at a convention center in Kalamassery during a prayer meeting of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a US-based Christian religious group. In a video message posted on social media before surrendering, Martin claimed responsibility for the blasts, citing concerns about the organization’s teachings being “seditious” and detrimental to the country.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on understanding the motivations behind Martin’s alleged involvement, particularly given his successful professional background abroad. With 21 individuals still receiving medical treatment, the investigation team anticipates uncovering more details as the case unfolds.
