SYNAGOGUE ARSON PROBE TAKES A NEW TURN AS KERALAM POLICE EXAMINE SUSPECT’S LINKS TO BISHNOI-NAMED TELEGRAM GROUPS
October 20, 2026
KOCHI, OCTOBER 20: Keralam Police are investigating the possible links between a man accused of setting fire to a synagogue and Telegram accounts associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, as the shooting case involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff brings renewed attention to the criminal network.
The investigation centres on Ebin B. Paul, the accused in the arson attack on a synagogue in Kochi’s Kavumbhagam area. Police examining his mobile phone reportedly discovered Telegram conversations with a person addressed as “Boss” and a chat group using the name “Lawrence Bishnoi”.
Investigators are attempting to establish whether the group is genuinely connected to the gang or is merely using its name. Police have sought official clarification from Telegram regarding the authenticity of the group and the communications found on Ebin’s phone. The existence of a chat group bearing the gangster’s name does not, by itself, establish that it is operated by the actual gang.
According to the police investigation, Ebin allegedly carried out earlier attacks involving petrol bombs, including an incident targeting an unoccupied house in Muvattupuzha and another involving a used-car showroom. Investigators said he received ₹5,000 in cryptocurrency for the showroom attack.
Police suspect that the person using the name “Boss” subsequently assigned Ebin the synagogue arson attack through another Telegram message. Investigators have reportedly found that the accounts involved in the earlier attacks and the synagogue incident were linked to the same person, although the suspected connection to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang remains under examination.
Anish Joy, station house officer of Ernakulam Central police station, said investigators were trying to determine whether the Telegram group was an authentic gang-linked channel or an unrelated group using the same name. The inquiry is therefore examining both the digital communications and the identity of the person allegedly directing the attacks.
During questioning, Ebin reportedly told investigators that his motive was to make money. Police said he was cooperating with the investigation, although he had not always been forthcoming with information. After five days in custody, he was remanded again, with investigators expected to seek his custody once more.
The investigation has acquired additional significance following the shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff, which has been alleged to have links to the Bishnoi gang. However, the reported Telegram communications in the synagogue case have not yet established a direct connection between Ebin, the gang and the attack on the actor.
Police are continuing to examine the digital evidence to determine who issued the alleged instructions, whether the Telegram accounts were genuine and what network, if any, lay behind the attacks. The suspected links remain under investigation, and the full extent of any criminal association has yet to be established.
