The Kochi synagogue arson case investigation has expanded after police completed evidence collection at several locations in Ernakulam and Muvattupuzha, including the synagogue targeted in Broadway, a fireworks shop, fuel stations, a used-car showroom and a house in Valakom.
The accused, identified as Ebin Paul, was taken to the locations under heavy police security as his custody period was nearing its end. The evidence-collection exercise followed questioning that continued until the afternoon of October 18, according to a report by Malayala Manorama.
Police first took Paul to the synagogue in Broadway where he allegedly attempted to set fire to the premises. Investigators then visited the fireworks shop in Thrippunithura from where he allegedly bought the fuse material, a shop in Puthencruz where he allegedly purchased a lighter, and a fuel station from where petrol was obtained. The team also visited the used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha and a house at Ambalapady in Valakom.
The investigation has found that the fuse material allegedly purchased by Paul came from Flash Fire Works at Chakkalamatt in Vadakkekkotta, Thrippunithura. The same shop had earlier sold explosive material used by Dominic Martin, the accused in the 2023 Kalamassery blast case, the report said. Police took Paul to the shop for evidence collection, and people there reportedly identified him.
According to the report, Paul reached the shop at about 9.30pm on October 11 and bought two packets of 15-centimetre fuse material. The shop owner told police that the payment of Rs 200 was made online. Investigators also collected transaction records related to the purchase. Police suspect that Paul soaked the fuse material in petrol before setting it alight.
The police investigation also covers alleged arson attempts at an unoccupied house in Valakom and a used-car showroom at Mekkadamp. These incidents were allegedly carried out as trial attacks to demonstrate the accused’s ability, according to the statement attributed to Paul during questioning. He allegedly told investigators that he received Rs 10,000 through PhonePe for each incident.
The report said Paul allegedly set fire to the house twice, in January and March. On the first occasion, petrol was allegedly poured on the windows, while the second attempt involved the main entrance. He allegedly recorded footage of the incidents on a mobile phone and sent it before receiving payment. Police are also examining CCTV footage that reportedly captured him filming at one of the locations.
Investigators are examining Paul’s mobile phone, bank accounts and other financial transactions. Police have received information that cryptocurrency worth Rs 2 lakh was converted and transferred into an account linked to him. Other bank accounts and the source of the alleged payments are also being investigated.
The evidence-collection operation was led by Ernakulam Central ACP Cibi Tom, along with inspectors Aneesh Joy and M.S. Faisal. Further questioning based on phone records and financial evidence remains part of the investigation.
