The External Affairs Ministry revoked the passport of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. Naik is wanted in link with alleged terror funding cases. The step was taken on the request made by National Investigative Agency a few days ago.
“The Regional Passport Office, Mumbai, has revoked the Indian passport of Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, a resident of B-1005/1006 Jasmine Apartment, 65-B, Dockyard Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai, under the provisions of the Passport Act 1967,” said a National Investigation Agency (NIA) statement.
The development happened as Naik did not respond to the summons issued to him in cases filed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The travel document was revoked following the controversial Islamic preacher did not to respond to a show-cause notice issued to him for a personal appearance by 13 July. The notice was served to ask Naik why his passport should not be revoked.
NIA has filed a criminal case against him at its Mumbai branch under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Naik fled from India in 2016. He is accused of spreading hatred and religious animosity with his provocative speeches that aired on Peace TV. He is also accused of terror funding and laundering several crores of money over the years. The government has already barred his NGO called Islamic Research Foundation. His channel has also been closed.
