Preacher Naik "involved" in unlawful activities: Police report

Mumbai, Aug 9: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been "indicted" by Mumbai Police which found him to be allegedly involved in unlawful activities with possible terror links, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

Fadnavis said a watertight case is being prepared against the Islamic televangelist, whose organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is also under the scanner, and efforts would be made to extradite him.

Naik is currently abroad. The Mumbai Police, tasked with probing his alleged provocative controversial speeches, submitted its report today to the State Government. Police were asked to probe Naik's speeches available online to see if any of them could have encouraged youths to join terrorist groups amid reports that his preachings inspired some of those involved in the Dhaka terror strike.

"The report has made observations about him (Naik) making (critical) comments on other religion and belittling them - an action that would cause disharmony in society. The report also has details of countries that have banned him or his organisations.

"The Government is examining the report which have several aspects that are in the domain of the Centre," Fadnavis told reporters here. The report will be sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and further action will be taken as per its guidance, said Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio.

"There are many revelations in the report about illegal and unlawful activities (allegedly involving Naik and IRF) and activities which are not in interest of the nation. "The report has shed light on aspects like his relation with Firoz Deshmukh (a terror accused). It also talks about its links with Jamaat-ud-Dawa (a front of Pak-based terror outfit LeT) and Indian Mujahedeen and other activities that are illegal," he said.

Fadnavis said the Police Department has given various proofs against the 50-year-old Mumbai-based physician-turned- preacher, who is currently abroad. "Prima facie, there have been violations (of rules).

The report has indicted Zakir Naik and his organisation," he said. Asked what steps the Government would take if Naik refuses to return to India, Fadnavis said, "There is zero tolerance policy toward terror across the world.

And besides, we have extradition treaties with almost every country. If needed, the Centre would take help from foreign Governments to extradite him."

PTI