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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [CRIME]

2 clusters · 11 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Kochi synagogue area arson investigation

Overview

Following an October 12 arson attack near the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Kochi, Kerala, police launched an investigation into suspect Ebin Paul. Paul allegedly set fire to promotional materials at a nursery near the synagogue. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to examine his electronic devices, which reportedly contained communications with individuals suspected of having foreign links and messages referencing Jewish places of worship in various Indian cities.

Investigators are looking into whether Paul acted under instructions from an unidentified individual referred to as ‘Boss’ and whether he received cryptocurrency payments for the attack. The defense has claimed the accused suffers from severe mental illness.

By October 23, the Kerala Police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically sections pertaining to terrorist acts and conspiracies. The investigation has expanded to determine if the attack was part of a larger conspiracy involving handlers known as ‘Boss’ and ‘Vikram,’ and whether the suspect is linked to other arson incidents in Muvattupuzha and Pune.

Entities

Kadavumbhagam Synagogue · Ebin Paul · National Investigation Agency · Arun Pavithran · Blossom Nursery

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 4 sources
    Kerala Police invoke UAPA in synagogue arson investigation

    Kerala Police have invoked the UAPA against Ebin Paul following an arson attack near a Kochi synagogue, investigating potential links to an external conspiracy and unidentified handlers.

  2. [CRIME] 8 sources
    Kochi police probe suspected terror links in synagogue-area arson

    Kochi police are investigating an arson attack near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, probing suspected foreign links, cryptocurrency payments, and a potential wider conspiracy involving an unidentified handler.

Sources

bhaskarlive.in · deccanchronicle.com · devdiscourse.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · latestly.com · newindianexpress.com · news18.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · socialnews.xyz · theobserverpost.com · time.news