Mandvi (Surat): The local police have arrested another teacher in connection with the religious conversion case that recently surfaced in Mandvi town of Surat district. The accused, identified as Rakesh Vasava, was taken into custody on Tuesday, and further investigation is currently underway.

According to the police, Vasava was working as an English teacher at a private school and is believed to be a close associate of accused Ramji Chaudhary, who is considered the mastermind behind the alleged conversion racket. Investigators revealed that Vasava played a crucial role in maintaining detailed accounts of funds received and expenses incurred for the conversion activities.

The probe has further found that Vasava was responsible for identifying individuals for conversion and coordinating the process. His involvement in the conversion of nearly 20 people at a time has come to light. Police also stated that he played a key organisational role in a three-day programme held earlier as part of the alleged conversion drive.

It is learnt that Vasava was informally referred to as the “secretary” of the main accused, Ramji Chaudhary, due to his close involvement in operational and financial matters. Following his arrest, investigators expect more significant disclosures regarding the wider network involved in the case.

The accused has been remanded to police custody for five days. With this arrest, the total number of accused held in the Mandvi conversion case has risen to five, including four teachers and one doctor. Police said a comprehensive investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the network and identify other individuals linked to the case. DeshGujarat