The NIA is investigating the alleged arson attack at the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Kerala

Police were dispatched to the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue on Market Road in Kochi following the alleged arson attack. Photo file

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the alleged arson attack on the premises of the 800-year-old Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam.

The move follows a directive issued by the Union Home Ministry.

Last week, the Kochi city police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Ebin Paul, an accused in the case.

He was charged under Section 15 and Section 18 of the Act, which deal with offenses related to an act of terrorism and conspiracy, respectively. The provisions were invoked in view of the sensitive nature of the site allegedly targeted by the accused.

The police found that the instructions were allegedly passed on to the accused by other persons. He is also suspected of accepting certain payments in cryptocurrencies. Police further claimed to have obtained videos showing him scouting the scene and rehearsing the crime.

The accused is suspected to be involved in three arson incidents in Ernakulam district. Investigators also found indications that he had identified targets outside the district.

Alleged communications recovered from the accused’s phone, which contained references to sensitive targets, including Jewish places of worship, were among the reasons given by the NIA for a wider investigation. The police believed that the possibility of international terrorist links, the identity of those suspected of sending messages to the accused and the financial transactions involved in the case required a thorough investigation.

Published – 29 October 2026 22:30 IST