SIT formed to probe suspected extremist links in Keralam’s Ernakulam synagogue arson case
A Special Investigation Team has been formed in Kerala, India, to probe an arson attack on a historic synagogue. Authorities are investigating potential extremist links and foreign funding after discovering digital evidence on the suspect's phone.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns regarding potential radicalization and foreign-funded criminal activities targeting religious institutions.
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.
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