Police arrested a 32-year-old man following an October 12, 2026, arson attack outside the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Kochi, with investigators suspecting potential international terrorist links and examining encrypted communications connected to cryptocurrency payments.
Authorities took Ebin P. Paul into custody after reviewing digital evidence recovered from his mobile phone, according to law enforcement reports detailing the special investigation team’s findings. The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on October 12, 2026, outside the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue located in the Ernakulam market area.
The suspect arrived at the location in a blue Ignis car, stepped out of the vehicle, and poured petrol on the banners and promotional materials of the Cochin Blossoms nursery situated near the synagogue gate, according to regional coverage outlining the sequence of events. After setting the materials on fire, he recorded the act on his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
Central Investigation Agencies Probe Suspected Pakistan Links and Telegram Handler
Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency and the Intelligence Bureau, joined state police to question the suspect regarding potential international networks following the discovery of suspicious chats on his digital devices.
According to law enforcement findings published after the arrest, the suspect sent photographs of the synagogue to confirm the target, filmed the arson, and allegedly received cryptocurrency funds as compensation for executing the coordinated act.
Multi-Agency Response and Recovery of Chemical Narcotics at the Suspect’s Residence
The investigation expanded rapidly after the Kochi City Police, operating under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Arun K. Pavithran, utilized technical evidence and CCTV footage to identify the vehicle used in the attack. Officers tracked the suspect to a rental house in Puthencruz, where he was apprehended with the assistance of his father.
During a subsequent search of the premises, local authorities recovered a quantity of chemical narcotics. Separate cases were registered by the Ernakulam Central police regarding the synagogue arson and by the Puthencruz police regarding the drug seizure, while intelligence units examined whether the suspect was involved in prior incidents, including a previous fire at a car showroom in Muvattupuzha.
Security Measures Around the Centuries-Old Jewish Place of Worship
The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue stands as an ancient and historically significant landmark with centuries of heritage in the region. Because of ongoing regional tensions in West Asia, authorities had established round-the-clock police protection around the structure. The attack targeted the nursery and flex boards operated by the synagogue’s managing trustee just outside the main compound.
State police leadership, including the state police chief and the additional director general of police for law and order, commended the special investigation team for preventing the destruction of vital digital evidence during the swift operation.
