The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned controversial Salafist preacher Zakir Naik to appear before it on March 14 in connection with the ongoing probe into the alleged terror activities by him and organisations promoted by him including Islamic Research Foundation of which he was a founding trustee.
Through the notice served by the agency, Naik has been asked for joining the investigation at NIA headquarters here next week. The NIA notice was received by his brother Dr Mohammad Abdul Karim Naik.
“The NIA has issued notice to Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik S/o Dr Abdul Karim Naik resident of B-1005/1006, Jasmine Apartments, 65-B, Dockyard Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai, in connection with the NIA case RC-O5/2016/NlA-MUM (IRF Case),” the NIA said in a statement.
Naik was the founding trustee of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), IRF Educational Trust, and the Islamic Dimensions Trust. This besides, Naik has close connections with Peace TV channel, Harmony Media Private Limited, Longlast Constructions Private Limited, Right Property Solutions Private Limited, Galaxy Multichannel Network Private Limited, Majestic Perfumes Private Limited and Alpha Lubricants Private Limited.
The NIA has booked Naik, IRF and IRF Educational Trust and others under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, criminal conspiracy (120-B) and Section 153 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Zakir Naik’s sister Nailah Naushad Noorani was called by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with regard to the money laundering cases on Tuesday. Earlier, Nailah had been questioned by the National Investigation Agency a week ago with regard to the same case. Noorani reached the ED office at 11 am with her two relatives.
It is believed Naik is staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after perpetrators of the Dhaka terror strike last year claimed they were inspired by him.
The 51-year-old preacher has been booked along with unnamed officials of his Islamic Research Foundation for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion.
He’s also been accused of indulging in acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony beside various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
