Suspected arson near synagogue in Kochi: 32-year-old arrested, international connections being examined
Kochi police arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of setting fire to signs and posters at the compound of a historic synagogue in Kochi, India. The suspect documented the act, and his phone contained correspondence with a person called "boss," raising suspicion of paid operation and additional planned attacks.
Kochi police in southern India arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of setting fire to signs and posters at the front of the nursery operating in the compound of the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Kochi, one of the historic synagogues of the Cochin Jewish community in Kerala state. The incident occurred on Monday at around 2:30 AM. The suspect, Avin Paul, arrived by car, poured gasoline, set the site on fire, and documented the act on his phone. Upon his arrest, his mobile phone was seized, and investigators are examining correspondence allegedly found on it, including contact with a person called "boss," on suspicion that the arson was carried out under his instruction and in exchange for payment. Police reported that mentions of additional synagogues and further possible attacks in other cities were found. The possibility of international connections is being examined. A special investigation team has been established, and two police officers have been suspended due to a failure in securing the synagogue.