The commissioner said the attack carried out on the morning of October 12 was intended to establish the accused's capability. Paul had allegedly been asked to prove himself in Kochi before being entrusted with other major attacks.
After pouring petrol and setting the fire, Paul reportedly recorded a video of the incident on his mobile phone. Police believe the recording was part of the process through which he was expected to demonstrate his ability to carry out the assigned task.
According to Commissioner Kumar, more than one person was involved in the conspiracy. A handler had allegedly assigned specific tasks to Paul and transferred money to him through cryptocurrency. Police said the accused had previously carried out a similar arson incident in Muvattupuzha, in Ernakulam district.
Crypto Payments and Telegram Instructions From 'Boss'
Commissioner Kumar said Paul was receiving instructions from a handler and was being paid through cryptocurrency. The accused reportedly received directions through a contact saved as 'Boss' on Telegram.
During questioning, Paul mentioned a person named Vikram. Police are currently verifying the identities of both the handler and the person referred to as Vikram.
Investigators are also examining Paul's educational background and his time studying in Pune. Police are looking into whether he was connected to three other arson incidents that took place in January and March.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was invoked against the accused on October 23. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is now conducting further investigation into the case.
Paul is a resident of Vadyampady, near Puthencruz, close to Kolenchery in Ernakulam district. He is a design graduate.
According to his family, Paul was undergoing treatment for depression and was working on design projects from home.
The accused is currently in judicial custody. Police have retrieved forensic results from his mobile phone, which have reportedly provided additional details about the handler associated with a banned terrorist organisation.
Commissioner Kumar said investigators could not disclose further information at this stage, as the probe into the larger terrorist conspiracy was still underway.
The investigation is now focused on establishing the identities of those allegedly directing the accused, tracing the cryptocurrency payments and determining whether the synagogue arson was connected to other incidents across states.
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