Kochi, 14 Oct (H.S.):Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a fire outside a synagogue on Ernakulam’s Market Road, with investigators examining suspected links to extremist groups following the recovery of drugs and allegedly incriminating material from his home.

The accused, identified as Ebin B. Paul of Vadayampady near Puthencruz, was arrested by Ernakulam Central Police. A subsequent search of his residence reportedly uncovered narcotic substances, including heroin and fentanyl, stored in a bedroom cupboard.

The fire occurred around 2.30 am on Monday outside the synagogue. Police said the accused arrived by car, parked the vehicle elsewhere and poured petrol over banners and flex boards belonging to a horticultural nursery maintained by the synagogue’s managing trustee before setting them ablaze.

The synagogue had been provided police protection in view of tensions arising from the conflict in West Asia.

According to reports, investigators recovered material from Paul’s mobile phone and documents from his residence indicating possible connections with extremist groups. These suspected links remain under investigation.

Paul allegedly told police that he carried out assignments issued by a person known to him as “Boss”, whose identity has yet to be established.

Investigators reportedly found messages from this contact directing him to carry out explosions in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Amritsar. Police suspect that Paul recorded criminal acts, sent the videos to his handler and received payments in cryptocurrency.

Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, reportedly questioned him following information about the suspected extremist connections.

Police said the search yielded 105.703 grams of drugs, including white and brown heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, alprazolam, ketamine and a substance described as “K-rock”.

Puthencruz Police have separately registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act over the seizure. Investigators are also examining the alleged handler’s identity and the wider network behind the assignments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman