Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik (51), who has been reportedly staying in Malaysia to evade arrest in various cases in…
Dr. Zakir Naik (Photo: Facebook)
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik (51), who has been reportedly staying in Malaysia to evade arrest in various cases in India, has said he would not return to the country until he feels “safe from unfair prosecution”.
Naik’s statement has come amid reports that he was being deported to India from Malaysia.
“The news of my coming to India is totally baseless and false. I have no plans to come to India till I don’t feel safe from unfair prosecution,” said Naik in the statement, released through his PRO. He added that he would surely return when he feels “that the government will be just and fair.”
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Naik is facing various cases, including for hate speech and money laundering, in India and has been staying abroad to evade arrest.
First case against Naik was registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under anti- terror laws in 2016 for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups. The NIA and Mumbai Police, subsequently, had also carried out searches at 10 places in Mumbai including residential premises of some of the office bearers of the foundation run by Naik.
The foundation was earlier put on restricted list by the Home Ministry for receiving funds from abroad.
Earlier today, the External Affairs Ministry also clarified that it has not received any communication from the Malaysian government regarding the deportation of Zakir Naik to India.
In January, the MEA had made a formal request to Malaysia to deport Naik, wanted by India for allegedly inciting youngsters for terror activities through his hate speeches.
The sources said the MEA was yet to receive any official confirmation from the Malaysian authorities regarding Naik’s deportation.
(With agency inputs)
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