Submits report to CM that states the preacher fomented hatred and instigated Indian Muslims to turn to terrorism through his provocative speeches
The walls are closing in on controversial scholar Dr Zakir Naik. The Mumbai Police has submitted a report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing Naik of spreading hatred against other religions through his speeches, instigating Indian Muslims to turn terrorists, justifying fidayeen attacks for specific tasks and interpreting jihad the way terror organisations do.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Mumbai Police was asked to probe Naik’s alleged provocative speeches available online and ascertain if any of them could have inspired youths to join terrorist organisations. The investigation was prompted by reports that his sermons had inspired some of those involved in the terror attack in Dhaka last month.
‘Restrict speeches’
In its report, submitted on Monday, the Mumbai Police said the preacher has been creating an atmosphere of social disharmony in the country through his hate speeches. Sources in the state government said the report finds him “responsible for instigating people to take up terrorism”.
The police have recommended that a legal plan be put in place to restrict the preacher’s speeches, aired on his television channel, Peace TV, and various forms of social media, said a government official.
Naik-terror link
Fadnavis confirmed receiving the report. “The government has received a report on Zakir Naik from the Commissioner of Police of Mumbai. There are several indictments in the report. Many unlawful activities have been pointed out pertaining to the organisation (Islamic Research Foundation-IRF), of which Zakir Naik is the leader,” he told reporters.
The CM said the report also deals with terror incidents in the country and outside. “We have certain knowledge about the Indians who were inspired by Dr Naik to join organisations like the ISIS. There is evidence that establish the IRF’s connections with the Indian Mujahideen as well.”
He said there are certain activities attributed to Naik as well. “The Maharashtra government is studying the report and it will soon share the report with the MHA (ministry of home affairs). In consultation with the MHA, we will decide the further course of action,” the CM said, adding that the police had submitted many proof to substantiate their charges against Naik.
On July 15, Naik, who is abroad, made an attempt to prove his innocence through a video-conference with mediapersons, and ruled out returning to India any time soon. He claimed that his remarks had been “blown out of context” and that he had never inspired any terror activity.
Crackdown on IRF
The Mumbai Police has already cracked down on the IRF. As part of its joint inquiry with other investigation agencies into the functioning of the organisation, it registered a case on August 6 against four IRF employees under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. The IRF’s funding is also under scrutiny.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
