Published 9 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Was Kochi Synagogue Arson Part of a Bigger Plot? Police Uncover Suspicious Chats, Crypto Clues
On Tuesday, Kochi police arrested 32-year-old Ebin B Paul for allegedly setting fire to a plant nursery near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on September 12. Investigators identified him using CCTV footage and by questioning around 150 people.
Police traced Paul to a rented villa in Puthencruz after reviewing surveillance footage showing him arriving at Ernakulam Market in a Maruti Ignis. He allegedly poured petrol on the nursery and filmed the act before fleeing.
During a search of Paul's home on Tuesday, officers seized suspected narcotic substances including 5.264 gm of fentanyl and 2.361 gm of oxycodone. The First Information Report also listed materials labeled as "K.rock".
Ernakulam Central Police are examining Paul's mobile phone and Telegram chats for instructions regarding further attacks. Central agencies are investigating potential links to Pakistan-based networks, though no such connection has been established so far.
Investigators are also probing Paul's alleged involvement in an earlier arson at a used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha. Authorities are determining if the two incidents are connected as part of a wider conspiracy.