Kochi synagogue arson case: UAPA invoked against Ebin Paul

KOCHI: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was invoked against Ebin Paul, the accused currently in judicial custody in connection with the arson attack on a Kochi synagogue. The police submitted a report to the Ernakulam Magistrate Court yesterday evening, invoking Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA. With the application of the UAPA, the arson case is now classified as an offence falling under the category of terrorist activity.

Initially, only the charge related to the attempt to set fire to a place of worship was invoked. During the subsequent investigation, the police discovered that the arson and the petrol bomb attack were carried out at the instigation of anti-national forces based outside the country. Following extensive deliberations that spanned several days, the police—acting on the instructions of senior officials—decided to invoke the UAPA.

Section 18 was invoked for the charge of conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities. Section 16 pertains to offences aimed at fostering animosity among the public; this includes acts such as arson, explosions, and attacks involving toxic gases.

The investigation into the case was handed over to Ernakulam Central ACP Siby Tom on Wednesday. Initially, the responsibility for the investigation lay with the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Ernakulam Central Police.

With the invocation of the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act), the likelihood of the case being handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) increased. In the early hours of the 12th, Ebin Paul attacked a synagogue in Ernakulam city by dousing the building with petrol. He was apprehended that same afternoon at Patham Mile in Puthenkurish. In addition to the synagogue, he had also hurled petrol bombs at a car showroom and the offices of 'Awas Real Estate' in Muvattupuzha. The police discovered that the attacks were linked to terrorists with connections to Pakistan.