Investigation widens after Ernakulam Market synagogue area set ablaze
Ernakulam police have widened their probe into the fire near the Kadavubhagam Synagogue at Ernakulam Market, examining an alleged handler identified only as ‘Vikram’, possible extremist material and cryptocurrency transactions after arresting a suspect in connection with the incident on October 12, officials said.
Police arrested Ebin B Paul, 32, a native of Vadayambadi in Puthencruz, following the blaze at a nursery outside the synagogue. He was produced before the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on October 19 and remanded to judicial custody, according to the reporting.
- Alleged handler: Investigators say Ebin told them a person known as ‘Vikram’ assigned him to set the fire.
- Digital leads: Documents found on Ebin’s mobile phone are being examined for links to an extremist organisation and possible crypto-related trails.
- Broader links probed: Police are also exploring unconfirmed reports of a connection to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
"A person named ‘Vikram’ had assigned him the task of setting fire to the synagogue on Market Road on October 12," investigators reported about Ebin's statement.
Investigators are yet to establish the identity of the alleged handler. The disclosure that Ebin had met the person online has prompted a detailed digital forensics effort, with police examining transaction records and messaging histories for evidence of direction, funding or extremist communication.
Earlier incidents under fresh scrutiny
The probe has expanded to include earlier suspicious fires and attempts. Police suspect Ebin's involvement in an attempt to set fire to a building at Mekkappad in Muvattupuzha in January and another attempt at the same location in March, the reporting said. He is also suspected of attempting to set fire to a used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha.
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Suspected arson attempt at Mekkappad | January |
| Second suspected attempt at Mekkappad | March |
| Synagogue-area nursery set ablaze (Ernakulam Market) | October 12 |
| Arrest and remand | Produced in court on October 19; remanded to judicial custody |
Police have not publicly confirmed any operational link to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang; nevertheless, the inquiry includes an assessment of whether material seized from the suspect or his devices points to external direction or gang involvement. Officials described the possibility as under examination rather than as an established fact.
Local impact and next steps
The incident has heightened concerns among shopkeepers and residents of Ernakulam Market and surrounding lanes, which sit close to several places of worship and busy commercial thoroughfares. Investigators say they are following multiple leads — digital, documentary and testimonial — to ascertain motive, handlers and any network that may have facilitated the act.
Key investigative actions reported include forensic analysis of the suspect’s mobile phone, review of transaction records that could indicate cryptocurrency use, and tracing online contacts. Police said they are also revisiting earlier arson attempts linked to the suspect to determine patterns and whether the incidents form part of a coordinated campaign.
As the probe proceeds, authorities have kept details of ongoing investigative steps limited, citing operational sensitivity. Residents and traders in the market area have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Ernakulam Central Police.
The case now awaits further findings from forensics and digital examinations, and any consequent charges that may be framed once investigations reach a conclusive stage.
