Delayed reports reaching here on Thursday said the arson was an act of revenge against Dineshbhai Dhakalbhai Kolcha, who had complained to the police a few days ago that he was being harassed for switching to Christianity. Valsad District Superintendent of Police Hasmukh Patel said two persons named in the complaint had been subsequently taken into custody as a precautionary measure.

``Dineshbhai's house was torched by the foursome in retaliation to the written complaint'', he said.

Banabhai Govindbhai Varli, Zinubhai Bhimjibhai Varli, Gheblabhai Budhiabhai Varli and Savaliabhai Babubhai Varli were named as accused by Dineshbhai. Offences under Sections 436, 504, 506 (2) and 114 of the Indian Penal Code have been registered against them.

The DSP said all the accused were absconding. Police bandobast has been stepped up in the village to prevent the situation from escalating, Patel said, adding that efforts to arrest the foursome were on.

Sources said tension had been simmering in the village and the nearby areas due to the alleged tendency of the newly convert to denigrate Hindu gods and some customs followed by the majority community.