The Kochi City Police on Thursday invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Ebin Paul, the prime accused in the attempted arson at the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam, as investigators deepen inquiries into what they suspect may be a wider terror-related conspiracy.
Escalation of charges
Ernakulam Central Police submitted a report before the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, bringing the matter under provisions of the UAPA. The police invoked Sections 16(1)(b) and 18 of the Act. Section 16(1)(b) relates to terrorist acts that do not result in death, while Section 18 addresses conspiracy, attempts, advocacy, abetment, advice or facilitation in connection with a terrorist act or preparatory acts towards one.
Initial charges against the accused had been framed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions for attempting to set fire to a place of worship. However, according to the police report, investigators later uncovered digital material they say points to a broader conspiracy and the involvement of multiple handlers.
“Investigators suspect the synagogue attack was not an isolated incident but part of a series of attacks allegedly carried out on the instructions of external handlers,” the police report said.
Digital evidence and international delays
Police said they had been pursuing digital records, including data on messaging platforms such as Telegram, to establish links to handlers possibly operating from abroad. Investigators had initially intended to wait until comprehensive overseas digital records were obtained. Delays in receiving such records, however, and the availability of what they consider sufficient preliminary evidence prompted senior officers to apply the UAPA provisions at this stage.
- UAPA Sections invoked: 16(1)(b) and 18.
- Initial FIR under BNS for attempted arson at a place of worship.
- Police allege multiple handlers and possible foreign links; Telegram records sought.
What invocation means for the case
Bringing the case under the UAPA marks a significant escalation: the statute allows for longer detention and stricter procedural protections, and historically has been used in cases with alleged terror links. The development also makes it likely that the matter could be taken up by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has jurisdiction over scheduled offences under the UAPA and often assumes charge where interstate or international terror links are suspected.
The Kochi City Police Commissioner, Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, confirmed investigators suspect several individuals were involved as handlers and that the accused may have been instructed to carry out preliminary attacks to demonstrate readiness before being assigned more sensitive targets.
Local and legal implications
The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue is a recognised heritage site in Ernakulam; any attack on places of worship has a potential to inflame communal sensitivities. The police have framed their submissions in legal terms to seek a thorough probe into the alleged conspiracy while the judicial process determines continuance of custody, charge framing and possible central agency takeover.
| Provision | Subject |
|---|---|
| Section 16(1)(b) UAPA | Terrorist acts not resulting in death |
| Section 18 UAPA | Conspiracy, attempts, advocacy, abetment or facilitation related to terrorist acts |
Police say the decision to invoke UAPA was taken after preliminary digital evidence suggested links beyond the accused himself. Investigators continue to pursue additional digital records from overseas servers, which they regard as important to establish the chain of command and any external direction.
The case is likely to attract close attention from investigators and the judiciary in the coming days, as authorities decide on custody applications, potential NIA involvement and the scope of further legal action.
Further updates on the status of digital evidence requests and any central agency takeover will be issued by the police as the investigation progresses.
