A fire near Kochi synagogue, a car and Telegram chats: What police investigation revealed

Kochi: Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the alleged torching of a plant nursery opposite a synagogue in Ernakulam market, with investigators probing a possible wider conspiracy behind the incident.

The accused, identified as Ebin B Paul, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the September 12 incident. A subsequent search of his residence in Puthencruz led to the recovery of several substances suspected to be narcotic drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam and ketamine, according to the First Information Report (FIR).

The incident occurred at Blossom, a plant nursery situated in front of a Jewish place of worship in the Ernakulam market area.

According to police sources, the accused allegedly arrived at the location in a car around 2.30 am, poured petrol over the nursery and set it ablaze. He is also suspected of having recorded the act on his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.

The nursery owner, who also looks after the synagogue, subsequently filed a police complaint, prompting an investigation.

The probe was conducted under the supervision of Kochi City Deputy Commissioner Arun K Pavithran and Ernakulam Central Assistant Commissioner C B Tom.

Investigators examined CCTV footage from the area and questioned approximately 150 people as part of efforts to identify the vehicle involved in the incident.

Police eventually traced the car’s registration number to Ebin and located him at a rented villa in Puthencruz.

During the investigation, officers examined the accused’s mobile phone and Telegram conversations, reportedly uncovering material suggesting possible communication with an unidentified individual through online messages.

Investigators are examining whether the accused acted on instructions from another person and whether there were plans to carry out additional attacks. However, these suspicions have not been independently established.

Meanwhile, a search of the accused’s residence at Ginger County Villa, House No. 10A, in Patham Mile, Vadayampadi, Aikkaranad South village, led to the recovery of several suspected narcotic substances.

The search was carried out on Tuesday by Ernakulam Central Police in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, according to the FIR.

Police reportedly recovered the substances from a cupboard in the accused’s bedroom.

The seized materials were listed in the FIR as “W Heroine” weighing 3.613 grams and “B Heroine” weighing 2.736 grams.

Other substances recovered included 2.361 grams of oxycodone, 5.264 grams of fentanyl, 20.171 grams of alprazolam and 50.883 grams of ketamine.

Investigators also seized 20.675 grams of another substance identified in the FIR as “K.rock”.

The exact nature and composition of the recovered substances are yet to be independently confirmed.

Police are investigating whether the alleged arson was an isolated incident or part of a broader plot involving individuals operating through online platforms.

Kerala Police’s anti-terror squad and various central agencies have also reportedly questioned the accused as part of the investigation.

Further inquiries are underway into both the suspected arson conspiracy and the substances recovered from the accused’s residence.