The State Police Chief told reporters that according to the preliminary probe the blast occurred due to an IED. We are examining it, he said

"This morning at 9.40 am approximately, there was an explosion in Zamrah International Convention Centre in Kalamassery in which one person died and 36 people are undergoing treatment as per our information," the DGP said

However, there were conflicting reports about the number of blasts as state Ministers V N Vasavan and Antony Raju said there were two blasts, while Congress MP from Ernakulam, Hibi Eden, said there were multiple blasts according to one of his friends who attended the convention

"What they have told us is that there were two blasts according to the initial findings," the ministers said

The top police official urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media

Spreading of provocative or hate messages on social media would invite strict action, he warned

The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted