The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kerala Police have invoked the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against 32-year-old Ebin Paul in relation to the arson near the Kadavumbagam Synagogue in Kochi. The authorities are investigating an extensive plot including outside handlers and cryptocurrency payments. On 23rd October (Friday), district Police Chief (Kochi City), Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, stated that sections 16 and 18 of the anti-terror law have been invoked against the perpetrator.
He stated, “The probe so far has revealed a larger conspiracy involving more people. He carried out arson at the direction of handlers based outside the state. We cannot reveal further details at this stage. He had surveyed several locations, including sensitive targets, and shared videos of the arson incidents with the handlers. The fire near the synagogue was the fourth incident, indicating that he was practising the act.”
“Evidence emerging in the investigation suggests that the accused was not acting alone and that several people were directing him to target specific locations and carry out certain activities,” Kumar conveyed. According to police, the SIT has also submitted a report in this regard to the concerned court. It also uncovered that Paul exchanged Telegram chats mentioning gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and searched for him on a regular basis.
According to investigators, Paul received orders from a handler through Telegram. An analysis of his electronic gadgets showed that the act was premeditated. The commissioner highlighted, “The police also found that Paul received cryptocurrency, including USDT, and that the location was surveyed before the incident. Videos showing him practising similar acts were also recovered.”
Kumar added that the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been involved in the inquiry from the outset, helping to gather evidence and digging into a potential larger network. He also mentioned that other central agencies have also been notified.
On 12th October, the boards of a horticultural garden managed by the synagogue’s management committee at the Ernakulam market were set on fire by Paul, who admitted to three additional arson events in the rural district of Ernakulam during the probe. Investigators discovered that he was involved in setting fire to a nearby used car dealership and had tried to do the same to an unoccupied residence. Separate cases have been filed in all three earlier instances. They revealed that an anonymous individual suspected of being his handler received videos of the crimes on Telegram.
Police personnel also went to the Pune institution where Paul studied to learn more about his background and social circle. His digital conversations and connections to individuals who could have orchestrated the attacks are currently under probe.
According to reports, Paul might have followed orders from an unnamed “Boss,” but he mentioned somebody else by the name of Vikram while being questioned. Investigators are working to determine whether Vikram and Boss are the same person and if either of them is overseas. The name of the handler and the details of their links to Paul are under examination. Police are looking into Telegram conversations, electronic devices, and potential bitcoin transactions to figure out whether all the arson incidents were part of a planned operation.
Puthencruz police are also looking into a different case after seizing a variety of synthetic substances from Paul’s home during a search following his arrest. Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will likely take over the case. However, the government is going to make the final decision on whether to move the matter to the central agency.
