Kerala Police Charge Main Suspect in Kochi Synagogue Arson Under UAPA, Investigate Larger Conspiracy

Kochi, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : Kerala police have filed charges against Abin Paul, the main suspect in the arson incident near the historic Kadavumbhagam synagogue in Ernakulam, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Authorities are now investigating whether this act was part of a larger conspiracy.

The charges include Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA, which pertain to terrorist activities and conspiracy to commit such acts. This development marks a significant turn in the investigation into the attack that occurred on October 12 at the nursery located outside the synagogue, a place of Jewish worship.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is exploring the possibility that Abin acted under the guidance of an unknown handler referred to as “Boss.” He has also mentioned an individual named Vikram, whose identity and potential connections to “Boss” are currently under investigation.

Authorities are trying to determine whether this alleged handler is a real person operating from abroad and if others were involved in planning these attacks. The suspect claims to have received instructions through phone calls and digital platforms.

Investigators are verifying these claims through forensic examinations of Abin’s mobile phone and other electronic devices. They hope digital evidence will shed light on the nature of the communications, the individuals involved, and whether the suspect received financial support for the attacks.

The scope of the investigation has widened as police connect Abin to other arson incidents. They are trying to ascertain whether these events are linked and if they form part of a coordinated series of attacks.

The SIT has extended its inquiry to Pune, where Abin was studying, to gather information about his background and potential contacts. Police are investigating whether an external network influenced or directed his alleged actions.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central agencies have already gathered information related to this case.

Given that the synagogue is one of the historical prayer sites for Jews in Kerala, the case has gained international attention. Police are now focused on identifying the alleged handler, confirming digital leads, and uncovering the motives behind the attacks.