NIA to seek red corner notice from Interpol against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik

NewsBharati    17-Dec-2017
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New Delhi, December 17: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday said that it will soon submit a fresh request to Interpol to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik after completing requisite formalities. 

 

Notably, hours after Interpol refused to issue a red corner notice against Zakir Naik, the NIA said that it will soon submit a fresh request to the international agency for the same after completing requisite formalities.

However, the NIA gave the clarification immediately after a spokesperson for Naik said, "Interpol has cancelled red corner notice on Dr. Naik and instructed its worldwide offices to delete all data from files on him, have cited political and religious bias among other reasons."

NIA clarified saying Interpol had not accepted the request to issue a Red Notice against the controversial Islamic preacher as the intelligence agency had not filed a charge sheet for Naik's arrest. The agency has already moved the NIA court for a charge sheet against Naik and will once again petition Interpol for a red corner notice.

Earlier, NIA submitted a detailed investigation report to the Home Ministry seeking extradition of the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAP) for his involvement in terror activities.

Naik is accused of spreading hatred by his provocative speeches, funding terrorists and laundering several crores of money over the years. Investigation agencies are probing against Zakir Naik for terror and money laundering charges. According to the intelligence agencies, Naik is said to be hiding either in UAE or Saudi Arabia. The Interpol red corner notice against Naik would mean that he will be declared an international fugitive and could be arrested by any agency around the world.

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.

On the other side, Zakir Naik has consistently denied the charges against him, which also include money laundering. His passport has already been revoked and his NGO declared an unlawful organization. Zakir Naik is currently abroad and has not returned to India since a Bangladeshi newspaper reported on his alleged role in inspiring the terrorists who attacked a Dhaka bakery in July 2016.