People stand outside a convention centre where multiple blasts occurred during a religious gathering in Kochi, India, October 29, 2023. Preliminary investigation showed that an improvised explosive device was used, Kerala Director General of Police Shaik Darvesh Saheb told reporters earlier. Police were appointing a special investigations team, Saheb told reporters, adding that strict action would be taken against those involved. "The explosions occurred seconds after the end of a prayer as part of the day's event. Seconds later, two more explosions rocked simultaneously on either sides of the hall," TA Sreekumar, regional spokesperson for the Jehovah's Witnesses told mathrubhumi.com.

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Persons: Umesh, Veena George, Police Shaik Darvesh Saheb, Saheb, Pinarayi Vijayan, mathrubhumi.com, Swati Bhat, Gerry Doyle, Bernadette Baum Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Asianet News, Reuters, Police, Local, National Security Guard, TA, Thomson Locations: Kochi, India, Rights KOCHI, Kerala, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kalamassery, United States