Kochi Synagogue Arson Case: Investigators Probe Foreign Links, Telegram Chats, And Dollar Payments

Probe has intensified into the Kochi synagogue fire incident, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Kerala Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) also looking into suspected terror links, possible international connections and financial transactions linked to the accused.

Cops are now investigating whether the accused, identified as Ebin Paul, was operating individually or was part of a wider network. A probe is conducted into his alleged involvement in a similar arson incident in the Muvattupuzha area. The possible connection between the two incidents is yet to be established.

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The incident in Kochi allegedly took place around 2.30 am, when the accused allegedly reached the religious structure. He had a can of petrol and poured the fuel on a horticulture nursery run by the synagogue trust before allegedly setting the fire. Following this, the accused Paul was arrested.

Telegram Chat, Payment in Dollars?

Investigators are examining the suspect’s chats on Telegram to see whether he has received any task on the platform. The cops alleged he may have received around 2,000 dollars in connection with the synagogue incident.

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Police are verifying these claims, including whether any money was transferred to the accused, who may have facilitated the payment, and whether the alleged transaction was linked to the arson attempt. The suspected financial trail is being examined as investigators seek to establish the motive behind the incident and identify any possible handlers or associates.

The accused’s mobile phone and its contents are also under scanner. Initial inputs regarding chats and messages have raised questions about whether he was in contact with other individuals. Investigators will conduct a forensic probe to authenticate the communications, identify potential contacts and determine whether the alleged exchanges were connected to the incident.