A 32-year-old man has been arrested for setting fire to a nursery outside an 800-year-old Jewish synagogue in Kochi, Kerala. The arson attack happened on 12th October (Monday) at around 2:30 am. The authorities are investigating possible terror links after discovering suspicious messages on his phone. CCTV footage of the incident assisted investigators in tracking down the accused, identified as Eldo Paul from Puthencruz in Ernakulam district.
VIDEO: THE EXACT MOMENT WHEN ANTI-JEW HATE WAS ALIGHT IN KERALAM. ‘BOSS’ BEHIND KOCHI SYNAGOGUE ARSON? A suspected international terror link is under investigation after a 32-year-old man was arrested for setting fire to material near a historic Jewish synagogue in Ernakulam. Reports allege a Telegram-linked handler known as ‘Boss’ directed the accused, with four cities allegedly on the radar for future attacks. Pakistan link, crypto payments & wider terror plot under scrutiny. In Keralam political groups have given Hamas "terrorists" a platform.
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) October 14, 2026
Kochi City Police opened a case into the matter and nabbed Paul. The occurrence took place at Blossom Nursery, which is situated in Ernakulam Market near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on Market Road. The perpetrator arrived there in a blue Maruti Suzuki Ignis, threw petrol on the premises, and set it on fire. He even recorded the act on his mobile phone before leaving.
Police discovered conversations on his phone that mentioned assaults in various Indian cities, Jewish houses of worship, and potential bitcoin payments from a person referred to as “Boss,” who could be his handler. According to the authorities, illegal drugs and narcotic substances were found during a subsequent search of his rental apartment accommodation in Puthencruz, where he was found hiding.
Videos of the arson and conversations with people and online groups suspected of having foreign connections were uncovered during a preliminary investigation of Paul’s cell phone. He acted on Boss’s orders to target particular areas, film the attacks and deliver the footage in exchange for payment. Investigators are also probing whether the amount was transferred to him via cryptocurrencies.
Police questioned over 150 persons and reviewed the material that was accessible from the surrounding locations. The blue Ignis was identified using technological analysis and other leads, as its registration number was not clearly visible in the video.
They are also investigating the accused’s connection to a previous Muvattupuzha arson incident. Videos that seemed to be connected to the event were discovered on his cell phone by police. The investigative team informed that he acknowledged his involvement in the crime during questioning.
The evidence from the two incidents is currently being compared by police to see whether they were part of a coordinated operation. Additionally, suspicious emails connected to narcotics transactions were discovered by investigators. A special investigation team has been put together to investigate the issue.
His digital devices and financial data are also being examined by a special investigation team with assistance from central authorities in order to uncover the motive, confirm any connections, and ascertain whether he was involved in any additional crimes. Police are currently inquiring whether the communications were linked to a bigger terror conspiracy or if he was a member of an organised international network.
