Kochi | The SIT has invoked the anti-terror act, UAPA against a man held in connection with alleged arson near a synagogue in Ernakulam market here, with the NIA likely to take over the probe, officials said on Friday.

Police had arrested Ebin Paul (32), a native of Puthencruz near here, for allegedly setting fire to Blossom Nursery, located opposite the Kadavubhagam synagogue in Ernakulam market, within the limits of Kochi Central police station. The incident happened in the early hours of October 12.

Following legal advice, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday invoked Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) which deal with terrorist acts and conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, respectively.

The SIT has also filed a report in this regard before the court concerned, officials said.

Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said UAPA was added as investigators suspect a larger conspiracy behind the incident, with evidence pointing to the possible involvement of more people in targeting sensitive locations.

"Evidence emerging in the investigation suggests that the accused was not acting alone and that several people were directing him to target specific locations and carry out certain activities," he told reporters.

Investigators found that Paul allegedly received instructions from a handler through the Telegram messaging app.

Examination of his electronic devices revealed that the arson was a planned act.

"The police also found that Paul received cryptocurrency, including USDT, and that the location was surveyed before the incident. Videos showing him practising similar acts were also recovered," the commissioner said.

Kumar said that the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been involved in the investigation from the beginning, assisting with evidence collection and examining a possible wider network.

Other central agencies have also been contacted, he added.

Apart from the Kochi arson incident, police have registered three other cases against Paul over similar incidents involving a residence and a used-car showroom in Muvattupuzha.

Investigators found that videos of the arson incidents were sent through Telegram to an unidentified person suspected to be his handler, sources said.

With the UAPA provisions invoked, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to take over the investigation, sources added.

An NIA probe is considered crucial to identifying the alleged handler who directed Paul, officials said.

However, the final decision on transferring the case to the central agency rests with the government, the commissioner said.

Puthencruz police are also investigating a separate case following the seizure of various synthetic drugs from Paul's residence during a search after his arrest.

The SIT has found out that Paul frequently searched for gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and exchanged Telegram messages referring to him.

The investigation has also been extended to Pune, where Paul pursued a degree course, officials said.

Paul is currently in judicial custody