Canadian Cleric Arrested in Gujarat for Drugging, Raping Woman; Police Probe Wider Network
Canadian cleric arrested in Gujarat for drugging, raping, and coercing woman to convert.
A 52-year-old madrasa cleric and Canadian citizen was arrested in Gujarat’s Ankleshwar district for allegedly drugging, raping, and threatening a woman to convert her religion. The arrest followed a detailed complaint filed by the survivor, who despite intimidation and threats to her life, approached the Panoli Police Station in Bharuch district with her account of the assault. The revelations have prompted authorities to examine whether the accused had targeted other women in a similar manner.
Police identified the accused as Ajwad Ahmed, a visiting cleric who had been staying in a local madrasa. According to the woman’s statement, she was introduced to Ahmed through a mutual contact. Over time, he allegedly began calling and messaging her frequently, manipulating her psychologically under the pretext of marriage. On November 9, she was summoned to his room at the madrasa, where he offered her a drink described as “fragrant water.” The liquid was reportedly laced with sedatives that rendered her unconscious.
Investigators said that while the woman was incapacitated, the cleric allegedly raped her twice. When she regained consciousness, he reportedly dropped his pretence of affection and tried to coerce her into immediate religious conversion, even threatening to defame her and harm her children if she refused. “Despite repeated threats, the survivor approached the police and lodged a formal complaint,” said Bharuch District Police Chief Akshay Raj Makwana.
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Makwana confirmed that the cleric was arrested shortly after the FIR was registered. “On November 11, the complaint was filed, leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest. It has been verified that the accused is a citizen of Canada. A 10-day police remand has been approved for further interrogation,” he stated. The police are now scrutinising his travel records, digital communications, and his association with other individuals or institutions in India and abroad.
Authorities have expanded the investigation to determine whether Ajwad Ahmed operated systematically, targeting other women using similar tactics. “We are exploring whether he used the same method elsewhere. Nothing will be left unexamined,” Makwana added. The case has sparked public outrage in the region, raising questions about the lack of oversight on foreign nationals engaging in religious activity in local institutions.
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