Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who wages jihad through his poisonous speeches, has reportedly applied for citizenship of Malaysia and a decision in this regard is pending with the Malaysian authorities. Naik believed to be having permanent residence status in Malaysia.
According to reports, after the NIA approached the Interpol for issuance of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Naik, he has changing his base quite frequently. The NIA had approached the Interpol against Naik following a year-long probe during which the agency had gathered evidence of his NGO Islamic Research Foundation and his Peace TV being used to promote religious hatred. The Government of India banned his NGO and taken his TV channel off air.
Intelligence sources say Naik’s present place of stay is unknown. He keeps on moving between Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, African and Southeast Asian countries. Naik had fled India on 1 July, 2016 after an investigation against him was initiated.
Intelligence sources suggest that Government of India is planning to use its diplomatic channels to block Zakir Naik’s attempts to get citizenship in any country. Malaysian authorities are aware about terror cases pending against Naik.
Back home in India, Zakir Naik is being probed for terror and money laundering charges. Naik has been promoting religious hatred through his poisonous speeches and lectures and inciting Muslim youths to join the jihad. He has been funding terrorists and laundering several crores over the past years.
During the investigation, the NIA found 37 properties owned by Naik and companies run by him, which are estimated to be worth more than Rs 100 crore. The Enforcement Directorate had attached properties of Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation worth Rs. 18.37 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Naik is said to have been the “inspiration” behind July 2016 terror attack on an upscale cafe in Dhaka. Bangladeshi terrorists claim that they were inspired by his speeches on jihad.
