Kochi Police Invoke UAPA Against Accused in Historic Synagogue Arson Case

Investigators probing the fire at the 800-year-old Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam have added strict anti-terror charges against the arrested suspect, Ebin Paul. Kochi City Police Chief Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar announced on Friday that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been applied due to the high sensitivity of the targeted religious site.

Investigation Details

The 32-year-old suspect, who lives in Puthencruz, allegedly poured petrol and set fire to a plant nursery run by the synagogue management at the Ernakulam market around 2.30 a.m. on October 12. Police tracked him down using CCTV footage and his car registration number. Authorities suspect a wider criminal plot because the accused received payments in cryptocurrency after sharing videos of his actions with outside handlers. Officials revealed that he recorded himself surveying various locations and carried out three other similar arson attacks in the Ernakulam rural district.

Agency Involvement

State anti-terrorism units and central security agencies have worked on the case from the start, and police plan to formally propose handing the entire probe over to the National Investigation Agency. Meanwhile, officers also seized synthetic drugs and heroin from the suspect's house during a recent search, leading to a separate narcotics case.

Context

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is India's primary anti-terrorism law designed to deal with activities directed against the integrity and security of the country. Historical and religious sites often receive special protection under law enforcement guidelines due to their cultural significance and the potential for communal tension when targeted.