NIA issues notice to Zakir Naik, asks to join investigation on March 14

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday issued a notice to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik asking him to join the investigation at the NIA headquarter on March 14. 

It is believed that Naik, who has been evading his arrest in connection with last year's Dhaka terror attack, has been staying in Saudi Arabia. It is to be noted that perpetrators of the Dhaka terror strike last year claimed that they were inspired by Naik's speeches.

Earlier today, the Enforcement Directorate officials today questioned Naik's sisters in connection with a money laundering case against him and several others. 

Naik's Islamic Research Foundation was banned for five years by the government last year under the UAPA for its alleged terror activities.

Naik also claimed that he faces an extremely hostile atmosphere in India and under these circumstances, conducting a fair probe against him would be impossible.
He also sought a few months' time to appear before the ED in person.

Last week, the ED had arrested Aamir Gazdar, a close aide of Naik, in connection with the money laundering case.

The central probe agency had registered a criminal case against Naik and others in December, 2016 after taking cognisance of an NIA complaint under the UAPA.

The ED is looking into the charges of illegal funds laundered by the accused and the subsequent proceeds of crime thus generated. Naik (51) is said to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after some perpetrators of the Dhaka terror strike last year claimed that they were inspired by him.

He, along with unnamed IRF officials, has been booked under section 153A, IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), besides various UAPA sections.