Antisemitism in India: Arson attempt on the historic synagogue of the Cochin community

An arson attempt on the historic synagogue of the Jewish community in Kochi, southern India. Police arrested a suspect who poured gasoline on a plant nursery operated by the synagogue trust and tried to set it on fire. Examination of his phone raised suspicions of involvement by a wider network.

An antisemitic arson attempt occurred on the night between Monday and Tuesday in the city of Kochi, southern India, the origin of the Cochin Jewish community. Local police arrested a suspect who tried to set fire to the area outside the historic synagogue of the Jewish community, which has been operating in the city since the 13th century. The incident took place around 2:30 AM, when the suspect poured gasoline on a plant nursery operated by the synagogue trust and attempted to ignite it, as revealed by security camera footage. Police suspect this may be a terror-related incident, after examining the suspect's mobile phone correspondence and messages, which showed signs raising concerns of involvement by a wider network. As part of the investigation, police are expected to conduct a forensic examination of the phone to determine whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a group.