Insta
Raids, Blocking Access To IRF Funds, Website – NIA Moves Swiftly On Zakir Naik Case
Swarajya Staff
Nov 22, 2016, 03:47 PM | Updated 03:47 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
On Monday (21 November), National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches, for the third successive time, at 17 premises of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, his non-governmental organisation (NGO) and a few of his associates. The NIA also blocked the website of Naik’s NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which was allegedly promoting Naik’s “hate speeches”.
The agency is also prepared to summon Naik, who has been residing abroad after his name cropped up in the aftermath of the Dhaka terror attack on 1 July 2016. One of the perpetrators of the attack had posted on social media that they had been inspired by Naik. An NIA spokesperson told PTI.
As part of investigation, all actions that need to be taken against a proscribed organisation, including banning of its online activities, are being undertaken.
The Union government banned the IRF last week and declared it as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for five years. If Naik does not respond to the NIA summon, the agency will issue a red corner notice through Interpol.
Naik and many unnamed IRF officials have been booked under section 153-A of IPC, plus various sections of UAPA. The agency plans to scrutinise cases relating to 50 individuals allegedly drawn to extremism after listening to Naik’s speeches.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.