Fire near Kochi's Kadavumbhagam Synagogue: SIT formed to probe suspected terror links

A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a probe into the suspected extremist links in an incident of arson in front of the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Kochi. 

Kadavumbhagam Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship built around 1549. The arrested youth, Ebin B Paul, had set fire to the signboard of Blossom Nursery kept at the entrance of the narrow lane that leads to the Synagogue.

Two civil police officers, who were deputed for the security of Synagogue, have been suspended following the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of police, Kochi city, Arun Pavitran will supervise the SIT headed by Assistant Commissioner, Ernakulam Central, Sibi Tom. 

Accused Ebin, 32, a native of Puthencruz in Ernakulam, was arrested by Ernakulam Central police hours after the fire. The alleged incident happened around 2.30 am on October 12. 

As per a statement by police, Ebin has set fire to the boards placed at the Blossom Nursery in front of the Synagogue gate. It said that Ebin, who arrived in a blue Ignis car, used petrol to set fire. He left the scene after recording the arson on his mobile phone. As per report, the fire did not cause any damages to the synagogue. 

The Ernakulam Judicial First class Magistrate court on Thursday, October 15, remanded the accused in five-day custody of the SIT. The defence told the court that the accused was suffering from severe mental health issues and was under psychiatric treatment. Taking this into account, the court asked the investigating team to ensure that the accused gets necessary medicines and care. It also directed the SIT to submit a report within 48 hours regarding the status of his mental condition. 

Meanwhile police claimed to have collected crucial digital evidence from the accused. “Apart from visuals of the arson, suspected foreign links and communication in various online groups were found.There are indications that the crime was committed as per the direction of an unidentified person, whom Ebin addressed as Boss. Preliminary investigation points to the pattern in which the accused who was assigned targets would commit the arson, record the visuals and receive the payment,” the statement said. Police are looking into the possible use of cryptocurrency for financial transactions. 

Police said that the communications in the mobile phone of the accused point to various targets, including Jewish religious sites, and communications related to possible attacks on various parts of the country. Police have begun an investigation to find out the suspected foreign links and conspiracy behind the incident.

Police said that one of the major challenges during the initial phase of the investigation was that CCTVs in the business establishments in the market were not functioning during the night. Police later collected evidence from available CCTVs in and around the market, took statements from around 150 persons, co-ordinated with the cyber wing and thus zeroed in on the vehicle used by the accused. The probe into the vehicle took police to the accused living in Puthencruz. Police said they nabbed Ebin from his rented apartment in Puthencruz where he was hiding. 

Another crucial development was a possible link of the accused to a similar style of arson in Muvattupuzha. As per reports, there was an arson in a used car showroom in Muvattupuzha on March 18. The evidence in this regard was collected during the search conducted at the house of the accused following his arrest. Police have begun comparing visuals of the two incidents and have also collected visuals from his phone. The investigation team said that the accused had admitted his involvement in the arson at Muvattupuzha. Police have also found communication related to suspected transactions of narcotics from the mobile phone of the accused. The evidence related to the narcotics deal has been handed over to Ernakulam rural police for further investigation. 

Central agencies too have collected information regarding the case, considering the suspected foreign links of the crime. The mobile phone of the accused is subjected to a detailed forensic examination to find out the source of communication, details of financial transactions and suspected links to similar crimes. Police statement said that arrest of the accused within hours after the incident has helped to prevent loss or destruction of crucial digital evidence. 

Police also began reviewing suspected links of the incident with the recent fire at Koder house, another jewish heritage building in Kochi. In view of the Israel-Palestine conflict, security was increased in the Jewish heritage sites in Kochi.