The very controversial preacher who claims himself to be a Muslim- televangelist, Zakir Naik is facing a tough time. Since the Dhaka Terror attack, he is in the news for his controversial speeches that are said to provoke and inspire one of the terrorists involved in the attack. Then the Indian Government has directed its security agencies including NIA to scrutinize his speeches and find out the truth behind his preaching’s. Since then, NIA is reviewing his books, videos, and other recordings so that they could find out about any connection that related Zakir Naik to the terrorist organizations or to any terrorists.
The NIA is now done with the whole scrutiny and has come up with a list. The list consists of names of more than 50 terror accused and suspects, who are said to be inspired by this Mumbai-based televangelist Zakir Naik’s speeches and videos.
The NIA was employed in the case to find out that if any legal action can be initiated against the controversial speaker for inciting people for radicalizing their religion. The NIA sources revealed to us that the agency has questioned more than 80 terrorists and other terror suspects, right from date back to 2005, to get a clear insight about the preacher. The questioned people are also suspected to be the alleged members of the SIMI, the Indian Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Toiba.
An NIA officer told us that, “We have identified at least 50 people who admitted having been inspired by Naik. However, it is too early to say whether Naik can be directly linked to terrorist activities”. Hansraj Ahir, the minister of state for Home, on Tuesday, told the Lok Sabha about the matter and stated that “some known terrorists reportedly inspired by Naik”. The agency is “very cautious” regarding the matter and wants to file a report which is being backed by strong evidence against Zakir Naik.
They are also scanning the income source of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which is the NGO run by Zakir Naik.
A Senior Mumbai Police officer said that “We will send a report to the state government, and the law and judiciary department will decide further action”.
Presently, Zakir Naik is believed to be in Saudi Arabia, from the time his matter has become highlights and Security Agencies have started scrutinizing his speeches. Hence, he is not available for any comments and also, the messages sent to the officials of IRF regarding the matter have remained unanswered. But in the last video press conference held by Zakir Naik, he said that he can’t be held responsible for the deeds of others and blamed media for calling a trial against him.
