Beefing up airport security for Zakir Naik’s arrival that wasn’t

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s decision to call off his return to the country on Monday became a damp squib for the Mumbai airport security establishment as it had increased deployment on request from the city police.

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s decision to call off his return to the country on Monday became a damp squib for the Mumbai airport security establishment as it had increased deployment on request from the city police.

The preacher was supposed to arrive on a Gulf airline from Dubai on Monday. (HT Photo)

According to sources in the Central Industrial Security Force, the doctor-turned-preacher, who has come under the security scanner for his speeches, was supposed to arrive on a Gulf airline from Dubai to conduct a talk at Nariman Point on Tuesday.

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“But the extra cover was relaxed late on Sunday night after learning that his booking was cancelled,” said a senior airport security official requesting anonymity.

The official added that additional manpower was deployed on request from the city police in anticipation of trouble by a hardline Islamic group accused of rioting in the city earlier.

Officials added that the agencies had no information on Naik’s revised travel schedule.