The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against absconding Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik for allegedly inciting youngsters for terror activities and giving hate speeches.
The 58-page chargesheet accuses Naik of indulging in malicious actions and disturbing communal harmony between communities.
Naik – who enjoys a NRI status – and is a proclaimed offender is also accused of diverting funds for anti-India activities.
The absconding Islamic televangelist was in July declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ by a special court and the NIA initiated the process to attach his assets under the law.
On November 18, 2016, the NIA had lodged a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Simultaneously, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), launched by him as an “unlawful association”.
Following this, the NIA had raised his offices, a school and a private TV channel offices which were later sealed.
(With inputs from agencies)