United Arab Emirates News

UAE Assistance to Be Approached in Kalamassery Blasts Probe

Emirates collaboration to uncover accused Dominic Martin’s past activities in Dubai as probe extends beyond India

Kochi: Kerala Police Seeks UAE’s Assistance in Kalamassery Blast Probe

An important step has been taken: the state government has officially authorized the Kerala police team looking into the 2023 Kalamassery twin explosions to ask the authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for help. The goal of the investigation is to learn more about the actions of Dominic Martin, the only defendant, when he was in Dubai before returning to India.

In order to provide an official avenue for cross-border collaboration in the continuing investigation, the state government has authorized the submission of a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the UAE via Interpol. A key component of the investigation, this request was approved last week and will be made through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official web page.

Focus of the Investigation

Dominic Martin, who had been working as an electrician in Dubai until 2023, returned to Kochi before orchestrating the blasts at a convention center in Kalamassery on October 29, 2023. Eight people were killed and more than forty-five others were seriously injured in the twin blasts that occurred during a Jehovah’s Witness prayer gathering.

The accused, who at the time of the crime was living in a leased home in Thammanam, had stated that his main motivation was ideological disagreements with the Christian group. Law enforcement organizations have persisted in their investigation to find any more connections or possible co-conspirators in the crime, even after a chargesheet was filed.

A senior police official stated, “Although a chargesheet has been submitted, our investigation remains active. We must look into Dominic Martin’s connections in Dubai, confirm whether he had any prior criminal history, and ascertain whether he was influenced by other forces. This will enable us to paint a more complete picture of his pre-attack activity.

Acceptance of the UAE Investigation by the State Government

On January 29, the Kerala government formally gave the state police chief permission to proceed with the MLA request.
The instruction permits the submission of requests for legal aid to the appropriate authorities in the United Arab Emirates and was issued under Crime No. 2421.2023, which is registered at the Kalamassery police station.

“The Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch (State Interpol Liaison Officer), Thiruvananthapuram, shall take necessary steps and ensure that the Mutual Legal Assistance request is made strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government,” reads the official order, which was signed by Sindhu T S, Deputy Secretary of the State Home Department.

This action demonstrates the Kerala government’s dedication to looking into every facet of the case in detail, including any potential outside influences or accomplices.

Legal Actions and the Accused’s Present Situation

In April 2024, Dominic Martin received a formal charge sheet. After first charging him under the harsh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the authorities decided to charge him under the Explosives Act and several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Martin has not yet submitted a bail petition, even though the UAPA charges have been dropped, presumably making him eligible for bail. He is in judicial detention at the Ernakulam District Jail in Kakkanad.

Implications of the Study

The police’s choice to look into Dominic’s activities in the United Arab Emirates shows that they are looking into more than just domestic issues. It may become clear whether Martin acted freely or under the influence of outside forces if UAE authorities produce pertinent intelligence.

In order to ensure international collaboration in addressing crimes with possible worldwide links, MLA requests are increasingly being used in cross-border criminal investigations. Authorities are making every effort to fully understand Martin’s objectives, affiliations, and any unreported elements of the investigation in light of the seriousness of the Kalamassery explosions.

The outcome of this international investigation could be pivotal in understanding the larger implications of the attack and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. With the probe extending beyond national borders, authorities are hopeful that additional details will emerge, shedding new light on one of Kerala’s most shocking criminal incidents in recent history.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button