Police probe ‘extremist links’ after arson at ancient Kerala synagogue

Police are probing suspected extremist connections following an arson attack at the Kadavumbagam Synagogue, a historic site near the Ernakulam market in Kerala. Thirty-two-year-old Ebin Paul, a resident of Puthancruz, has been arrested in connection with the incident. According to investigators, Paul targeted the nursery maintained by the synagogue's management committee, setting fire to the boards at around 2.30 am on Monday.

Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K Pavithran stated that suspicious chats appeared on Paul's mobile phone, indicating he may have been acting under orders. Screenshots on his phone showed financial transactions with an unidentified individual, which the police are now investigating. Paul allegedly drove to the synagogue premises, poured petrol on the nursery, and set it ablaze from a short distance. He also recorded the act on his mobile phone.

The police recovered synthetic drugs and heroin from Paul's rented accommodation, leading to a separate drug-related case. It has come to light that he was involved in another arson incident in Muvattupuzha, near a car showroom. The Kadavumbagam Synagogue, originally constructed around 1200 CE, is recognized as one of the oldest surviving synagogues in the Indian subcontinent and the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.