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Man Arrested in India for Arson at Synagogue Complex
Police in Kochi, India, arrested 32-year-old Abin B. Paul on suspicion of setting fire to signs and posters at a complex adjacent to the historic Kadavumbagam Synagogue in Kerala state early on Monday. The suspect allegedly arrived by car, poured gasoline in front of a nursery managed by the synagogue's trustee, ignited the signs, and filmed the act on his phone.
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What happened
- 01A 32-year-old man, Abin B. Paul, was arrested in Kochi, India, for suspected arson near the historic Kadavumbagam Synagogue early on Monday.
- 02The suspect allegedly poured gasoline, set fire to signs at a nursery in the synagogue compound, and filmed the act.
- 03Police arrested Paul at a rented villa, where they seized his phone and discovered a large stash of hard drugs including fentanyl and heroin.
- 04Investigators believe Paul was paid, possibly in cryptocurrency, by an online handler known as "Boss" to carry out and document the attack.
- 05India's National Investigation Agency joined the probe to examine potential links to overseas terrorist networks, particularly in Pakistan.
- 06Authorities are investigating whether the suspect had plans targeting other synagogues or connections to potential attacks in different cities.
- 07Two police officers were suspended for a security lapse at the site, and security around local Jewish institutions has been increased.
Following a cyber investigation and the use of security footage, police apprehended Paul at a rented villa in Puthankurish. During the raid, officers discovered a significant stash of hard drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, ketamine, and oxycodone. Two police officers were suspended following a security lapse at the synagogue site.
Indian intelligence agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, have joined the probe due to the sensitivity of the Jewish heritage site. Investigators are examining Paul's phone and digital communications on Telegram and WhatsApp, which suggest he acted under instructions from an online handler known as "Boss." Paul was allegedly paid, possibly in cryptocurrency, to commit and document the arson. The investigation is exploring potential links to overseas terrorist networks, particularly those directed from Pakistan, as well as mentions of other synagogues and potential attacks in different cities. Security around Jewish institutions in the area has been increased.
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