Kochi nursery fire may be terror plot rehearsal targeting Jews, police suspect

AI Summary

Police in Kochi are investigating whether a nursery fire near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue was a rehearsal for attacks on Jewish places of worship, based on messages and reconnaissance materials allegedly found on a suspect’s phone. Authorities are tracing suspected cryptocurrency payments and practice runs, while an anti-terror unit investigates and a possible NIA handover is considered; police say no organized network has been established.

Police in Kochi are investigating whether a fire at a horticulture nursery near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue was a test run for a wider plot. Messages recovered from the accused’s phone allegedly refer to Jewish places of worship and attacks in several cities. Investigators are tracing the senders, following cryptocurrency payments including USDT, and examining reconnaissance visuals and three suspected practice runs in Ernakulam rural. The anti-terror squad is involved, and an NIA handover is under consideration. Police say no organised terror network has yet been established.