The investigation into the October 12 fire incident outside the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on Ernakulam Market Road in Kochi, Kerala, has reportedly widened, with police and central investigative agencies examining suspected links to an unidentified handler believed to be based in Pakistan, alleged cryptocurrency payments and a possible wider terror plot.
According to reports citing the police investigation, Ebin P. Paul, a native of Kunnathunadu, was arrested in connection with the incident in which banners and flex boards erected in front of the synagogue were set on fire at approximately 2.40 am on October 12.
Investigators reportedly suspect that the accused received instructions through Telegram and Instagram from an unidentified individual referred to as the ‘boss’, reportedly known as ‘SR’.
According to the reports, the accused allegedly recorded the operation and shared the footage with the handler.
Investigators are examining the alleged communications, financial transactions and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Possible wider terror plot under investigation
According to reports attributed to the police investigation, the handler had plans to deploy the accused in blasts in Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar and Uttar Pradesh if the operation targeting the Kochi synagogue succeeded.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Keralam Anti-Terrorism Squad and State Intelligence are reportedly involved in questioning the accused and examining the available evidence. Police have seized his mobile phone and laptop as part of the investigation.
Drug recovery leads to separate investigation
In a related development, police reportedly recovered 105.703 grams of substances comprising eight varieties of drugs from the accused’s luxury villa. The substances reportedly include heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, alprazolam, ketamine and K Rock.
A separate case has reportedly been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Investigators are examining the source of the substances and the suspected distribution network.
Reports have also referred to an earlier fire at a car showroom in Muvattupuzha in March, which the accused allegedly carried out to demonstrate his capability to the handler. The circumstances surrounding that incident and its possible connection to the synagogue case require verification through official records.
Security concerns
The fire occurred despite round-the-clock police security at the synagogue, which was reportedly maintained amid heightened concerns arising from the West Asia conflict. The fire reportedly did not spread to the electrical wiring.
The incident has raised questions about the security of sensitive religious establishments and the possible use of encrypted or online communication platforms and cryptocurrency in suspected cross-border criminal activity. Any conclusions regarding foreign involvement, terrorist links or the intended targets of a wider plot will depend on the findings of the investigation.
