The government of India is seeking the extradition of controversial India-born Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from Malaysia. A request has been sent by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to Malaysian authorities for his extradition following the completion of all formalities by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), including collecting proofs and filing the chargesheet, the Times of India reported.
The CDs and DVDs containing Naik’s speeches that contain hateful messages will be shared with prosecutors during the hearing of the extradition case in Malaysia, the report added, citing government sources. “There is strong evidence against Naik that he was using his NGO Islamic Research Foundation and company Harmony Media Pvt Ltd for anti-national activities,” an official was quoted as saying in the report.
In November last year, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said that India will soon make a formal request to Malaysia for Naik’s extradition. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said at that time that it is ready to consider Naik’s extradition if India makes a formal request.
According to a charge sheet filed by the NIA on Oct. 26, 2017, Naik had deliberately made offensive remarks insulting the religious beliefs of communities like the Hindus, and Christians as well as Islamic sects like the Shia, Sufi and Barelvi, the TOI reported. His speeches have also been reported to have influenced many youths to join the Islamic State terror group.
A special NIA court has already taken cognizance of the charge sheet in which Naik has been charged. He had been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity among different religious groups.
In July last year, Naik fled from India when terrorists in Bangladesh claimed that his speeches inspired them.
Naik’s organization was associated with extremists exploiting charities in Britain by the Henry Jackson Society in its report published on Feb.26. The report raised questions about Naik continuing to be a part of the Islamic Research Foundation International (IRFI), a UK-registered charity, despite being banned in Britain since 2010. “In the financial year ending 2016, their income was £951,356. In addition to its charitable status, IRFI is also registered in England as a private limited company,” the report said.