How many companies, properties does Zakir Naik own in UAE? ED wants to know

Mumbai city news: The agency is probing whether those inspired by the televangelist’s speeches sent him funds

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently seeking details of UAE-based properties and companies owned by televangelist Dr Zakir Naik.

After Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was banned, the National Investigation Agency registered a case against Naik and the IRF for inciting Muslim youth to indulge in violence. (HT File Photo)

On Monday, the central agency moved an application seeking a letter rogatory (letter of request) to authorities in UAE, seeking details of Naik’s properties there.

The ED filed enforcement case information reports against Naik in connection with a case of money laundering.

The agency is probing whether those inspired by his speeches sent him funds. The investigation will focus on whether Naik gained financially.

After Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was banned, the National Investigation Agency registered a case against Naik and the IRF for inciting Muslim youth to indulge in violence and promoting enmity between groups on the basis of religion and race. The FIR accused him of giving speeches that spread communal unrest.

Naik left 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 banned Naik’s Peace TV, saying it instigated the attack on a Dhaka cafe, in which 22 people were shot.