PETALING JAYA: India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a notice to controversial TV preacher Zakir Naik to present himself for questioning on March 14, Hindustan Times reported.
The newspaper said this was the first time the security agency had issued a formal summons to Naik.
The NIA said the notice was received by the accused’s brother, Mohammad Abdul Karim Naik.
The preacher has stayed out of the country, and is believed to be in Saudi Arabia, ever since investigators said his sermons had influenced a few terrorists who attacked an eatery in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 1.
Bangladesh has banned Naik’s Peace TV, alleging it incited the attack on the Dhaka café, resulting in 22 deaths.
Naik has also made several appearances in Malaysia to give religious talks. The Hindu Rights Action Force and several other parties have opposed his presence in the country.
The NIA registered a case against Naik after his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a separate money-laundering case against Naik. This agency recorded a statement from Naik’s sister, Nailah Noorani, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act yesterday, the report added.
The NIA has charged Naik and the IRF with inciting Muslim youth to indulge in violence, and promoting enmity between different communities on the basis of religion and race.
The newspaper said the preacher has also been accused of delivering speeches that spread communal discord and indulging in activities prejudicial to national integration.