Controversial Islamist Preacher Zakir Naik (maapu/Wikimedia Commons)India has sent a formal request to Malaysia seeking the extradition of radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and is said to be pursuing the matter, ANI has reported.
Naik who has been living in Malaysia since fleeing India in 2016 following the Dhaka terror attack in July 2016. One of the terrorists perpetrating the attack had told authorities that he was influenced by Naik’s preachings.
Naik, also reportedly inspired the mastermind of Sri Lanka Easter blasts last year that killed 290 persons.
Naik has been accused of spreading hatred by giving provocative speeches, funding terrorism and money laundering. The NIA has booked him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Some of his controversial views include supporting Osama Bin Laden, calling for death penalty for homosexuality and conversion from Islam.
In 2017 his passport was cancelled by India and repeated requests were made to extradite him back to the country - all were refused by Malaysia.
Naik’s Malaysia stay has not been without controversy and had recently advocated that Islamic nations selling crude and palm oil should put pressure on India, arrest 10 non-Muslims for ‘anti-Muslims’ comments.
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