Kochi Synagogue Arson Accused Paid to Attack, Police Probe Larger Network
Police probe reveals the Kochi synagogue arson accused was paid to commit the act and may be part of a larger network.
The investigation into the arson attack near the Kadavubhagam Synagogue in Kochi has taken a chilling turn. Police officials revealed on Wednesday that the accused was allegedly paid to carry out the attack and has been in contact with an individual who has been soliciting such criminal acts.
Investigation Uncovers Financial Links and Digital Evidence
Addressing the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Arun K Pavithran stated that the accused has been remanded to judicial custody. The investigation has pivoted toward a digital and financial trail following a search of the suspect's residence.
Key findings from the police investigation include:
- Financial Motive: The accused was reportedly paid to execute the recent arson incident.
- Digital Evidence: Electronic devices seized from the suspect's residence have been sent for forensic examination. Preliminary findings suggest communications on his phone referred to Jewish places of worship and attacks in various Indian cities.
- Cryptocurrency Connection: Investigators are looking into possible cryptocurrency payments from an individual referred to in communications as "Boss."
- Narcotics Discovery: A search of the accused's rented house in Puthencruz also led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and narcotic substances.
Tracing the Suspect via CCTV
The identification of the suspect, 32-year-old Ebin Paul, was made possible through meticulous forensic work. Police utilized available CCTV footage to trace the vehicle used in the incident back to an individual from the Kothamangalam area.
In a significant breakthrough, investigators compared footage from the Kochi incident with footage from a similar incident in Muvattupuzha. This comparison helped establish that the same individual was responsible for both acts. Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime.
Security Beefed Up at Jewish Establishments
While police have not yet established links to a larger international organization or confirmed if the intent was to disrupt communal harmony, the security landscape in the region has changed. Following security alerts received last month, police deployment has been significantly increased at Jewish establishments, including those in Mattancherry.
"This is a serious concern. We increased police deployment and presence at these locations... these arrangements are continuing, and security has been further strengthened at all connected locations," DCP Pavithran said.
A special investigation team, working alongside support from central agencies, is currently examining the accused's digital devices and financial records to determine the full extent of the network and whether other attacks are linked to this individual.