Zakir Naik to be charged under India's terror laws

The Islamic preacher has consistently denied the charges against him

India's National Investigation Agency has submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) calling for the arrest of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik under the country's Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), The Times of India reported.

The report discussed Naik's alleged 'terror' activities and informed the ministry that there was substantial proof that his NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), was involved with fomenting religious conflict and radicalising Indian youth. The sections of the UAPA cited in the report include those related to terrorism and incitement of communal hatred.



The NIA have cited Naik's influence on several terror suspects including a member of the Indian Mujahideen group, Qateel Ahmed Siddiqui, and several IS recruits arrested across the country. Naik is currently abroad and has not returned to India since a Bangladeshi newspaper reported on his alleged role in inspiring the terrorists who attacked a Dhaka bakery in July 2016.

The MHA's approval to proceed with the case has been obtained by the NIA and that a charge-sheet will be filed with a special court later this week, The Hindu reported.

Interpol has already been contacted to assist the NIA in extraditing the preacher from Malaysia and Saudi Arabia where he is known to travel and work.

Naik has consistently denied the charges against him, which also include money laundering. His passport has already been revoked  and his NGO declared an unlawful organisation.  There are unconfirmed reports on his acquisition of Saudi Arabian citizenship.