If police sources are to be believed, any kind of strict action against Dr Zakir Naik is unlikely at this stage, but the pressure is growing and the matter is tricky.
After intense pressure from the media and demands from ally-cum-opposition Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister of the state, directed Mumbai Police Commissioner to conduct an inquiry and submit a report on Zakir Naik.
But highly placed sources in the Mumbai police have told The Quint that as of now, they don’t have evidence to prove a direct link between Dr Naik and terror outfits. They fear that suo motu action can give him undue publicity.
The police is now keeping a close eye on his movements and funding. They are going through YouTube videos of the televangelist. They say if Bangladesh makes a formal request with strong evidence, it will help them take action.
Suspicious Past
Apart from Dhaka terrorists, Dr Naik is suspected to have “inspired” some ISIS suspects, who were planning to carry out a series of attacks in Hyderabad. In 2013, he was booked under section 295A (deliberately outraging the religious feelings of any class). His aide was arrested (and later discharged) in connection with the Aurangabad arms haul case.
Given his questionable past, the police can book him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. But it will be a challenge for Mumbai police to defend the stringent charges in the court of law.
Security Tightened at Dongri
Dr Zakir Naik is in Saudi Arabia on a pilgrimage and will return on Monday, 11 July. Security has been tightened around his office as the Shiv Sena, known for its violent agitations, has demanded a ban on his organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation. The office is at Dongri, an area in south-central Mumbai infamous for its links with several underworld dons.
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