NEW DELHI: Seeking extradition of
Zakir Naik, the
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sent a detailed investigation report about alleged “terror” activities of the controversial Islamic preacher and sought prosecution sanction from the home ministry against him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Sources said the ministry has been informed that investigation against Naik is complete and his role in radicalizing Indian Muslim youth to join jehad; spreading enmity between religious groups and disturbing communal harmony and attempting forced conversions through his NGO – Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) — has been backed by strong evidence.
The prosecution sanction against Naik has been sought under the stringent Section 18 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which relates to terror conspiracy, Sections 10 and 13 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which deal with being member of an unlawful outfit and Section 153 of Indian Penal Code, which deals with inciting communal hatred, said sources.
As soon as MHA gives prosecution sanction, NIA will file its charge-sheet against Naik, his associates and IRF, which will be used to send a formal extradition request to Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, where he is said to be living and travelling frequently.
National Investigation Agencyinvestigations against Naik have revealed that through his speeches, he radicalised/influenced several Muslim youngsters towards jehadi activities, who ultimately joined some violent extremist organisations and planned terror attacks in India.
Several terror suspects, including Indian Mujahideen member
Qateel Ahmed Siddiqui, alleged woman IS online recruiter Afsha Jabeen, and IS recruits Mudabbir Sheikh, Mohammed Obaidullah Khan, Abu Anas and Mohammed Nafees Khan, who were held in pan-India raids by the National Investigation Agency last year, had claimed that they were influenced by Naik’s speeches.
As soon as the MHA gives prosecution sanction, NIA will file its chargesheet against Naik, his aides and IRF, which will be used to send a formal extradition request to Malaysia and Saudi Arabia