Ebin carried out major financial transactions, prosecution tells court

KOCHI: The accused in the Ernakulam Jewish synagogue arson case, Ebin B. Paul, was involved in major financial transactions, the prosecution told the court. Describing the incident as a serious matter, the prosecution also alleged that Ebin was involved in the arson attack in Muvattupuzha.

The prosecution sought police custody to conduct an extensive investigation and collect evidence related to these allegations. The Ernakulam Magistrate Court accepted the plea and granted the police custody of Ebin.

Meanwhile, the defence informed the court that Ebin was taking medication for mental health issues. The court directed the police to ensure that he underwent medical examinations and received the necessary medication and treatment while in custody. It also ordered the police to submit reports on his health condition and custody status every 48 hours. Following this, Ebin was sent to the custody of the Ernakulam Central Police for five days.

Ebin received Rs 2 lakh within five minutes of synagogue arson

Ebin B. Paul allegedly received Rs 2 lakh from a Pakistani handler referred to as 'Boss' within five minutes of setting fire to the entrance of the Jewish synagogue. In comparison, he had received only Rs 5,000 for the earlier petrol bomb attack on a used-car showroom at Mekkadambu in Muvattupuzha. The sharp increase in the payment is suspected to have been aimed at encouraging him to carry out more serious crimes.

The money was transferred in cryptocurrency at around 2.30 am on Monday, shortly after the synagogue arson. Ebin had sent the handler videos of himself setting the fire. The handler was also monitoring Ebin's movements after he left his house in Puthencruz carrying petrol.

At around 7 pm on the previous day, Ebin had reached the synagogue, taken photographs and sent them to the handler to confirm the location where the fire was to be set. The accused had also allegedly planned explosions in several places, including Delhi.

Ebin is being questioned by a team led by Ernakulam Central Station House Officer Aneesh Joy. Police said provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) may be invoked if necessary. Investigators also found that Ebin had searched the dark web for drugs. This is suspected to have brought him into contact with extremist groups.