Zakir Naik’s Organisation Paid Youth for Conversion: Probe Report

Zakir Naik is set to be booked for hate speech after the release of Mumbai police probe report.

The Mumbai Police in its probe report said that controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) paid anything between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 to lure a youth to convert to Islam, according to an Indian Express report.

The probe report is very clear. Mumbai police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar has indicted Naik as well as his organisation for unlawful activities and hate speech. We are studying the report and will share it with the MHA and decide the future course of action in consultation with the MHA. Statements made by youths, who had links with ISIS and Indian Mujahideen, also point to the unlawful activities of IRF. We will take the strongest possible action that will be in view of national and international ramifications. 

Devendra Fadnavis, Mumbai Chief Minister to Times of India

Maharashtra government prepares to book Naik for hate speech. A senior bureaucrat confirmed the proceedings will be initiated soon, and action will be taken against both Naik and his NGO Islamic Research Foundation. 

Earlier, the law ministry had informed the government that it was thinking of banning the IRF. On Tuesday, the IRF defended themselves saying “conversion is not IRF’s objective”.

Also Read: Law Ministry May Ban Contentious Muslim Preacher Zakir Naik’s NGO

IRF wants to reiterate that the allegations are false and baseless. Dr Zakir Naik firmly believes in promoting peace and harmony and has been doing that for decades. IRF is a research body that promotes greater awareness of Islam and its tenets. Conversion is not one of the objectives of IRF. The organisation only spreads the message of Islam and clears misconceptions. This is fully permitted by our Constitution.

Referring to the complaint against a member of the IRF, Arshi Qureshi, for allegedly forcing a youth to convert to Islam, the statement said:

IRF’s Guest Relations Manager, Arshi Qureshi has never forced a single person into conversion against his or her free will, as it is against Islam. We emphatically deny all allegations.

The city police registered a case against Qureshi and three others, in connection with alleged ISIS recruitment case in the southern state.

(With inputs from The Indian Express, Times of India)

Also Read: Zakir Naik’s Employee, 3 Others Held for Alleged ISIS Recruitment