Who is ‘Boss’? Kochi synagogue-area arson probe reveals suspected foreign links, crypto angle

Kochi: Who is the mysterious person referred to as 'Boss' in the investigation into the arson incident near a synagogue in Kochi? This is among the key questions confronting investigators as police examine suspected international connections, possible cryptocurrency payments and messages referring to attacks on Jewish places of worship in different Indian cities.

The investigation has taken a new turn following the arrest of 32-year-old Ebin Paul, a native of Puthencruz, who allegedly set fire to a plant nursery outside the Kadavubhagam synagogue in Ernakulam Market in the early hours of October 12.

According to police, preliminary examination of the accused's mobile phone revealed communications with individuals suspected of having foreign connections, along with messages exchanged in various online groups. Some of the messages reportedly referred to Jewish places of worship and possible attacks in different cities across the country.

Investigators suspect that Ebin may have acted on instructions from an unidentified individual whom he referred to as 'Boss'. However, the identity of the person, the nature of the alleged instructions and any possible international or terror connections are yet to be conclusively established.

Police are also examining whether the accused was instructed to carry out attacks on specific targets, record the incidents and share the footage with the unidentified handler in exchange for money.

The possibility that such payments were made through cryptocurrency is another aspect under investigation. Police have not confirmed whether any payments were actually received or whether the suspected handler was operating from outside India.

The case relates to an arson incident at Blossom Nursery, situated in front of the Kadavubhagam synagogue within the limits of Kochi Central Police Station.

According to investigators, the accused arrived at the location around 2.30 am on October 12 in a blue Maruti Suzuki Ignis car. He allegedly stepped out of the vehicle, poured petrol over the nursery and set it on fire.

Police suspect that he recorded the incident on his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.

The discovery of messages referring to Jewish places of worship and possible attacks elsewhere in India has prompted investigators to examine whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a wider operation.

Central agencies are also examining information related to the suspected international connections. However, officials have emphasised that the possible terror links remain under investigation and have not been established.

Meanwhile, investigators have identified a possible connection between the accused and an earlier arson incident in Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district.

Police compared footage from the previous incident with evidence collected during the Kochi investigation and reportedly found videos on the accused's mobile phone suspected to be linked to the Muvattupuzha case.

According to the investigation team, Ebin admitted during questioning that he was involved in the earlier incident. Police are conducting further inquiries to verify his alleged role and determine whether the two incidents were connected.

The investigation also led to the recovery of suspected narcotic substances from the accused's rented residence in Puthencruz.

Police said suspicious communications relating to drug transactions were found on his digital devices, prompting Ernakulam Rural Police to search the house.

During the search, officers seized substances suspected to include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam and ketamine. The exact nature of the recovered materials is subject to further examination.

Police are also investigating whether the suspected drug-related activities have any connection to the arson incidents or the alleged online communications.

The accused was arrested within hours of the Kochi incident following an investigation involving CCTV footage, witness statements and technical evidence.

According to police, several CCTV cameras installed at commercial establishments in Ernakulam Market were not functioning during the night, making it difficult to immediately identify the vehicle used in the incident.

Investigators nevertheless examined available surveillance footage from the market and surrounding areas and gathered information from approximately 150 people.

With assistance from the cyber wing, the investigation team analysed the available footage and other technical evidence to identify the blue car allegedly used by the accused.

Although the vehicle's registration number was not clearly visible in the footage, police eventually established its registration details after examining several possibilities.

The investigation subsequently led officers to a rented house in Puthencruz, where the accused was located and arrested.

A preliminary examination of his mobile phone reportedly revealed digital evidence that prompted police to widen the scope of the investigation.

A special investigation team has been constituted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K Pavithran. The team is led by Assistant Commissioner Sibi Tom, with Ernakulam Central Police Station Inspector Aneesh Joy overseeing the investigation.

Police are now planning detailed forensic examinations of the accused's mobile phone and other electronic devices to identify the individuals behind the suspicious communications.

Investigators will also scrutinise financial transactions, including possible cryptocurrency transfers, and examine whether the accused had connections with other criminal incidents.

Establishing the identity of the person referred to as 'Boss' has emerged as a central focus of the investigation, particularly as police attempt to determine whether the alleged arson was carried out independently or at the direction of someone operating through online platforms.

The investigation is continuing to establish the motive behind the fire, verify the suspected international and terror connections and determine whether the accused was involved in other incidents.