Wayanad, Sept 21:    Rinson Jose, a 37-year-old Indian entrepreneur living in Norway, is under investigation for his suspected involvement in a series of pager explosions in Lebanon that have killed nearly 20 people, including Hezbollah members. Jose, who owns the Bulgarian company Norta Global Limited, is believed to be linked to the supply chain behind the pagers used in the attacks.

According to Mail Online, the pagers were traced back to a Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, which sourced them from Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo. Allegedly, these devices were ordered through Norta Global, raising suspicions about Jose’s role. The blasts, including one on September 17, have prompted authorities to investigate multiple companies involved in the logistics of the pagers.

While the Hungarian news outlet Telex reported that BAC Consulting officially signed the deal with Gold Apollo, sources claim that Norta Global was handling much of the logistical arrangements.

However, the Bulgarian national security agency, SANS, has cleared Jose and his company of any direct involvement. They confirmed that no communication devices similar to those used in the explosions had been imported, exported, or manufactured in Bulgaria. The Sofia Echo supported these findings, stating that none of the equipment passed through Bulgaria.

Jose’s family in Wayanad, Kerala, expressed shock at the investigation. His uncle, Thangachan, believes Jose may have been deceived in his business dealings, telling local media, “Rinson must have been misled.” His cousin, Aju John, added that the family was unaware of his ownership of a Bulgarian company or any business ties there, expressing concern over his name being connected to a terrorist-related incident.

P L Shyju, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Special Branch, Wayanad, confirmed to Manorama Online that local authorities have begun investigating Jose’s involvement following reports of his connection to the Lebanon blasts.