India Arrests Man for Arson Near Historic Cochin Synagogue

Police in Kochi, India, have arrested a 32-year-old man suspected of setting fire to a complex adjacent to the historic Kadavumbagam Synagogue in Kerala state. The incident occurred early Monday morning. Investigators revealed that the suspect arrived at the Ernakulam market area, poured flammable material in front of a nursery managed by the synagogue's trustee, ignited signs within the complex, and fled.

Following the incident, police launched an intensive cyber investigation, utilizing security footage and vehicle details to identify the suspect. He was apprehended during a raid on a rented villa in Puthankurish, where officers discovered a cache of hard drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, ketamine, and oxycodone. Authorities are also examining his potential involvement in a previous arson at a car showroom.

Given the sensitivity of the location and the proximity to a Jewish heritage site, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe. Investigators are exploring the suspect's connections to overseas terrorist groups, particularly networks directed from Pakistan. This includes examining his digital communications on Telegram and WhatsApp with foreign contacts, as well as tracking financial transactions and cryptocurrency payments received for carrying out and documenting the act.

Deputy Commissioner of Kochi Police, Aaron Pavithran, confirmed the details, stating that the suspect was in contact with an individual who directed and paid him to commit the acts. "The arson near the synagogue is an extremely sensitive issue, and we are investigating all possible avenues," Pavithran said. Security around Jewish institutions in the area, already heightened last month due to security alerts, remains at an increased level.