Police in Kerala are investigating a suspected terror-related conspiracy after an arson attempt near the entrance of the Kadavumbhagam synagogue, an 800-year-old Jewish place of worship in the market area of Ernakulam district.
According to the probe, a man arrived in a Maruti Suzuki Ignis around 2.30 am on October 12 and set fire near the gate. He allegedly recorded the act on his mobile phone before fleeing. Police reviewed nearby CCTV footage and traced the vehicle details.
Within hours, officers arrested Ebin Paul, who was staying in a rented house in the Puthencruz area of Ernakulam. A check of his seized phone reportedly contained the video of the fire being set. Investigators also found indications that he acted on instructions from an unidentified person and that discussions had taken place about targeting other synagogues and major cities.
Police said they recovered evidence of communication with the unidentified person and seized a laptop and other electronic devices. Following leads on alleged drug-related transactions, a search of his residence led to the recovery of narcotics including heroin and ketamine.
Investigators also linked Ebin Paul to a similar arson incident earlier at a synagogue in Muvattupuzha. Kerala Police have flagged the possibility of international terror-group involvement and shared suspected international-link details with central intelligence agencies. A detailed forensic examination of the seized devices is planned to trace communication sources, review financial transactions, and check for links to other crimes.
