Accused Ebin sent photos of Kochi Synagogue arson attack to Pakistani Terrorists via Telegram, received 2,000 dollars

KOCHI: After setting fire to a synagogue on Market Road in Ernakulam, the accused, Ebin Babu Paul, took photographs of it on his mobile phone and sent them to Pakistani terrorists. The photographs were shared via Telegram. In return, he received 2,000 US dollars as payment via crypto. The police have confirmed that the amount reached his account. The police have also obtained photos of the arson attack and evidence proving that they were shared.

Ebin was directed to set fire by some people who are abroad whom he had befriended via Telegram channel. Police said they were training him to carry out major attacks.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation after the police imposed Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the case. The NIA will file an application before the court seeking custody of Ebin Paul for interrogation.

Ebin of Kavalamkuzhi House in Vadayampadi, Puthenkurishu, set fire to a flex board at the gate of the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on October 12. When he was arrested the following day, officials from the NIA's Kochi unit had also participated in his questioning.

He then revealed that he had set fire on the directions of Pakistani terrorists and had received payment for it. Upon examining the phone and laptop, evidence of a direct connection with a Pakistani terrorist known as 'Boss' was also found. The NIA took over the case after evidence of anti-national activities emerged.