Can’t confirm if Zakir Naik has Saudi citizenship, say Mumbai police

MUMBAI CITY NEWS: A source close to the Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) refuted the reports

The police have said they have no confirmation on reports that controversial televangelist Zakir Naik was granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia.

There were similar reports of Naik being in Malaysia in April 2017 (HT FILE)

A source close to the Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) refuted the reports, adding no country in the Middle East had made such an offer.

Recently, there were similar reports of Naik being in Malaysia in April 2017, which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were checking saying they may explore the avenues of mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) with the country.

But authorities said they are unaware if the latest reports are authentic.

After a ban on the IRF, the NIA registered a case against Naik and the IRF on charges of inciting Muslim youth to indulge in violence and promoting enmity between groups on the basis of religion and race. The FIR has accused him of giving speeches that disturb communal harmony. The agency also charged Naik with indulging in activities that harm national integration.

Naik has been out of the country after reports emerged that his sermons influenced a few of the Bangladeshi attackers, who targeted an eatery in Dhaka on July 1. Bangladesh has banned Naik’s Peace TV, saying it incited the attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people were gunned down.

Cases have been filed against him in Kurla, Vengurla, Sawantwadi and outside Maharashtra also.