Kochi synagogue arson case: What happened, and history of over 800-year-old structure

Police personnel posted at the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on Market Road in Kochi on Wednesday after the alleged arson attack on Monday. | Photo Credit: H. Vibhu

Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, a little-known Jewish place of worship in Kochi, Keralam, is now in the news after reports of an arson attack outside the over 800-year-old structure. A 32-year-old man, Ebin Paul, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the boards kept outside the gate of the historic synagogue in Ernakulam market on Monday (October 12, 2026).

Here’s a look at what happened, latest updates on the case and the history of Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, whose original structure is said to date back to the 12th century.

What happened at Kadavumbhagam Synagogue

A fire was set at Blossom Nursery, located in front of Kadavumbhagam synagogue, around 2.40 a.m. on October 12. The police said the accused arrived in a blue car, poured petrol on the premises, and set it ablaze. The 32-year-old man allegedly recorded the incident on his mobile phone before fleeing. The Ernakulam Central police arrested Ebin Paul on Tuesday (October 13) for alleged involvement in the case.

What is the latest update in synagogue arson case

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been set up to probe the suspected extremist links of the accused, a resident of Puthen Cruz in the Ernakulam district.