Full Breakdown
Kerala Police Invoke Anti-Terror Law After Arson Near 800-Year-Old Kochi Synagogue
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 12, 2026, a fire was set at the Blossom Nursery that fronts the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam, Kochi. Police identified 32-year-old Ebin Paul of Puthencruz as the suspect. He allegedly poured petrol on the nursery’s boards, ignited the blaze in the early hours and recorded the act on his mobile phone. The Kochi City police charged Paul under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), invoking sections that pertain to terrorist acts and conspiracy.
Official Statements & Responses
Kochi City Police Chief Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the UAPA was applied because of the “sensitive nature of the location.” He added that investigators believe Paul acted on instructions from handlers outside Kerala and received cryptocurrency payments after sending videos of the arson. The State Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been involved from the outset, with a decision on handing the probe to the NIA pending.
Background & Context
The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, dating back 800 years, is a protected heritage site. Police have linked Paul to three earlier arson attempts in the Ernakulam district in 2024, which caused minimal damage and had not led to formal cases until now.
Timeline
- October 12, 2026 – Paul allegedly sets fire to the nursery.
- Following day – Police trace Paul via CCTV and vehicle registration, arrest him, and recover his mobile recordings.
- Early October 2026 – Devices are sent for forensic analysis; investigators recover videos of the arson and evidence of cryptocurrency transactions.
- October 19 – Paul appears before the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court after five days of police custody and is remanded to judicial custody.
Data & Statistics
- Police seized 100 g of synthetic drugs and heroin from Paul’s residence, along with fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam and ketamine.
- Cryptocurrency payments were reportedly received after each recorded arson, though amounts were not disclosed.
- Sources differ on the UAPA sections cited: the Hindu mentions sections 15 and 18, while the Indian Express cites sections 16 and 18.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provides the precise cryptocurrency amounts or the identities of the alleged out-of-state handlers. Police found Telegram searches for gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and chats referencing a “Boss,” but said there is no concrete evidence linking Paul to any criminal gang.
Why It Matters
Applying the UAPA—a law usually reserved for terrorism—signals authorities’ concern over attacks on religious heritage sites and the emerging challenge of tracking illicit financing through cryptocurrency. The drug seizure also suggests a possible link between narcotics and the suspect’s criminal behavior.
What’s Next
Police plan to add fresh charges based on ongoing digital forensic findings and seek Paul’s continued custody. The Special Investigation Team will continue probing the alleged handlers and broader conspiracy, while the NIA’s involvement remains under consideration.