Kerala Police probe possible foreign links in arson near Ernakulam synagogue

Kochi: Kerala Police are probing possible international links to the arson attack near a Jewish synagogue in Ernakulam after finding suspicious digital communications and references to potential attacks in multiple Indian cities on the arrested accused’s mobile phone.

Ebin Paul, 32, from Puthencruz, was arrested within hours of the October 12 incident at Blossom Nursery near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam Market.

Investigators suspect that Paul acted on instructions from a person he described as his boss and was allegedly promised money for carrying out attacks and sharing video recordings. Police are examining whether he received payments through cryptocurrency.

According to preliminary findings, his phone contained messages mentioning Jewish places of worship and possible attacks in different cities. Communications involving individuals with foreign links have prompted Central agencies to investigate a possible wider conspiracy.

Police said the accused arrived at the nursery in a blue car around 2.30 am, used petrol to start a fire, recorded the incident and fled.

Investigators traced the vehicle with assistance from the cyber wing and arrested him at a rented house after examining available CCTV footage and questioning around 150 people.

Police have also linked Paul to an earlier fire at a used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha. Suspicious messages concerning drug transactions were found on his devices and referred to Ernakulam Rural Police for further investigation. His mental condition is also being assessed.

With IANS inputs