SIT formed to probe suspected extremist links in Keralam’s Ernakulam synagogue arson case

Police personnel posted at the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on Market Road in Kochi, Keralam, on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) after the alleged arson attack on Monday. | Photo Credit: H. Vibhu

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a detailed probe into the suspected extremist links of a man arrested in connection with an alleged arson attack on the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue near Ernakulam Market in Keralam recently and to ascertain whether he is connected to any other criminal activities.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kochi City) Arun K. Pavithran, will supervise the SIT, which is led led by Assistant Commissioner Sibi Tom. The investigation is currently being carried out by a team headed by Ernakulam Central Station House Officer Aneesh Joy.

The Ernakulam Central police arrested Ebin Paul, 32, a native of Puthencruz, for allegedly setting fire to boards kept outside the synagogue gate in the early hours of October 12. Separately, the Puthencruz police seized a cache of suspected narcotic substances from his rented house in Puthencruz.

The incident occurred around 2.40 a.m. on October 12. According to the investigation, a fire was deliberately set at Blossom Nursery, located in front of the synagogue. The police said the accused arrived in a blue car, poured petrol on the premises, and set it ablaze. He allegedly recorded the incident on his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.