Published Oct 20, 2026 | 7:33 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 20, 2026 | 7:33 PM
Police arrested Ebin Paul after a nursery outside Kochi's synagogue was set ablaze.
Police investigating the arson attack near the Kadavubhagam Synagogue at Ernakulam Market are now examining the identity of a person allegedly known as ‘Vikram’, possible extremist links and cryptocurrency transactions connected to the incident.
The case has also drawn attention to a possible link with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, though investigators have not publicly established any such connection.
Ebin B Paul, 32, a native of Vadayambadi in Puthencruz, who was arrested by the Ernakulam Central Police, reportedly told investigators that a person named ‘Vikram’ had assigned him the task of setting fire to the synagogue on Market Road on October 12.
He allegedly said he had come into contact with the person through the internet.
The revelation has prompted investigators to examine whether Vikram is the same person Ebin had earlier referred to as ‘the Boss’. Ebin claimed that ‘the Boss’ had directed him to carry out the attack. Police are yet to establish the identity of the alleged handler.
Investigators have also found documents on Ebin’s mobile phone that they believe could point to links with an extremist organisation. Police are examining these documents as part of the wider probe.
The investigation has also brought earlier suspected arson attempts involving Ebin under scrutiny.
Police suspect his involvement in an attempt to set fire to a building at Mekkappad in Muvattupuzha in January, followed by another attempt at the same location in March. He is also suspected of attempting to set fire to a used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha.
After five days in police custody, Ebin was produced before the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Monday, October 19, and remanded to judicial custody.
Commenting on unofficial reports linking the incident to the Bishnoi gang, an Anti-Terrorism Squad official said there was no prior information indicating that the gang had targeted religious institutions or attacked temples, churches, mosques or specific religious minority communities.
“This gang was primarily known for organised criminal activities, including extortion, contract killings, targeted shootings and cross-border smuggling. The gang has also been associated with threats and demands for protection money targeting businessmen, politicians and celebrities. Thus, their involvement in this incident is most unlikely,” the official said.
A member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the synagogue arson said the team was pursuing every possible lead, including suspected extremist links.
“We are probing suspected extremist links. At present, we do not want to disclose any names. We have found indications of cryptocurrency payments, while instructions were allegedly received through an anonymous Telegram account. All of these are suspicious. National agencies, including the NIA, are also looking into the case,” the official said.
Police are yet to establish who was behind the alleged instructions or determine the motive for targeting the synagogue.
From our archives:
Blessed and cursed: The protector of Kochi’s synagogue of Black Jews
(Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
