Police in Kochi say the investigation into the arson attack near the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue has widened, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) finding that the accused was allegedly involved in two similar incidents earlier this year, The Hindu reported, citing police sources.

Ebin Paul, 32, a native of Puthencruz, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to Blossom Nursery, located in front of the synagogue in Ernakulam Market, in the early hours of October 12. On Monday, October 19, he was produced before the Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody after five days of police custody.

According to investigators, Paul first allegedly tried to set fire to a building at Mekkappad in Muvattupuzha in January and targeted the same place again in March, causing minor damage to a building that housed an office. Police say he later allegedly set fire to a car dealership in Muvattupuzha before the arson near the synagogue in Kochi.

The SIT suspects that video footage of an incident was sent to his alleged handlers via Telegram. During the investigation, Paul was taken to all three locations and to his residence to collect evidence. Police said the probe into the electronic devices he used is continuing, and investigators are trying to identify his alleged handlers. Based on the findings, fresh charges will be added and the SIT will again seek his custody, officials said.

In a separate case, Puthencruz police registered proceedings after drugs including heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, alprazolam and ketamine were seized from Paul's residence; that police unit will soon record his arrest in that case and approach the court seeking his custody, The Hindu reported.

Earlier reporting by Madhyamam and ANI said investigators were also probing possible foreign links and suspicious digital communications found on the accused's phone, and that central agencies were assisting the probe. Those links have not been conclusively established, and the investigation is ongoing. All allegations against the accused are yet to be proven in court.

Sources: The Hindu; Madhyamam; ANI.