Zakir Naik’s properties, companies, bank accounts: Court allows ED to seek details from UAE

Now, a letter rogatory would be sent to the competent authority of the country seeking information about Naik’s properties, companies, bank accounts and his business partners

The special PMLA court allowed the plea of the enforcement directorate (ED) seeking details of UAE-based properties and companies owned by televangelist Dr Zakir Naik.

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

On Monday, the central agency moved an application seeking a letter rogatory (letter of request) to the authorities in the 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 court on Tuesday allowed the plea of the agency, after which an LR would be sent to the competent authority of the country seeking information about Naik’s properties, companies, bank accounts and his business partners.

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.

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 dead.