Amidst allegations that Islamist preacher Zakir Naik was involved in making hate speeches, home minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that CDs of his speeches are being examined for necessary action.
“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik’s speeches and have given necessary instructions for a probe. A thorough investigation will be done. “CDs of his speeches are being examined,” Singh told reporters.
“As far as government is concerned, we will not compromise on terrorism at any cost. Whatever is justified will be done,” Singh said.
Mumbai-based Naik has come under the scanner after it was reported that his speeches have inspired some of the Dhaka cafe attackers.
Read | Some like Zakir Naik, some don’t, others won’t talk
Maharashtra government on Thursday ordered a probe into the speeches by the Muslim televangelist.
“I have asked the Mumbai police commissioner to conduct a probe (into Naik’s speeches) and submit a report,” Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told PTI.
{{/usCountry}}“I have asked the Mumbai police commissioner to conduct a probe (into Naik’s speeches) and submit a report,” Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told PTI.
{{/usCountry}}Naik’s speeches, his social media accounts and sources of funding his organisation will be scrutinised, said Fadnavis.
Naik, however, released a statement saying he “totally disagreed” that he inspired the act of killing innocent people in Dhaka. “There is not a single talk of mine where I encouraged one to kill another, whether Muslim or non-Muslim,” he said.
Information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu called Naik’s speeches, as being reported in the media, as highly objectionable. “The home ministry will study (his speeches). It will take appropriate action after studying them,” Naidu told reporters.