Kerala Police invoke UAPA in synagogue arson investigation

The Kerala Police have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Ebin Paul, the primary suspect in an arson attack near the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam. Investigators have applied sections 16 and 18 of the act, which pertain to terrorist acts and conspiracies to commit terrorist acts.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing whether the October 12 attack on a nursery outside the synagogue was part of a larger conspiracy. The investigation is looking into claims that Paul acted under instructions from an unidentified handler known as ‘Boss’ and an individual named Vikram. Authorities are using forensic examinations of electronic devices to determine if these communications were directed from abroad and if payments were involved.

The scope of the investigation has expanded to include other arson incidents in Muvattupuzha and extends to Pune, where the accused previously studied. Police are working to establish if these events were part of a planned sequence of attacks directed by an external network.