Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s passport was revoked on Tuesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The Agency is now looking at legal options like deportation or extradition.
The action comes after three summons were sent to Naik, to which he failed to respond. The preacher is wanted in connection with alleged terror-funding cases.
The external affairs ministry had on 14 July started the process to revoke Naik’s passport.
We have received a request from the agency concerned a few days ago. We have taken action on that request to revoke the passport. There is a process for such steps which need to be complied with under the provisions of the law and we have taken action.Gopal Baglay, MEA Spokesperson
Naik is being probed for terror and money laundering charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He fled from India on 1 July 2016 after it was found upon investigation that terrorists linked to the Dhaka cafe attack were allegedly inspired by his speeches on waging 'jihad'.
Naik had his passport renewed in January last year and it has a validity for 10 years, according to security agencies. He is currently rumoured to be in Malaysia, while also making frequent visits to Saudi Arabia.
The NIA, on 18 November, 2016, had registered a criminal case against Naik at its Mumbai branch under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
His organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared as an unlawful association by the government.
The controversial preacher is accused of spreading hatred by his provocative speeches, funding terrorists and laundering several crores of rupees over the years.
He has been served with a show cause notice by the passport authorities asking him as to why his travel document should not be revoked.
The Interpol was approached against Naik after a year- long probe during which the NIA gathered evidence of his IRF and Peace TV being used to allegedly promote hatred between different religious groups.
The central government has already banned his NGO and taken his TV channel off air.
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