Amidst allegations that Islamist preacher Zakir Naik was involved in making hate speeches, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said CDs of his speeches were being examined for necessary action and asserted that the government would not compromise on the issue of terrorism.
“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik’s speeches and have given necessary instructions for a probe. A thorough investigation will be done. CDs of his speeches are being examined,” Singh said.
He added necessary action would be taken in this regard. “As far as the government is concerned, we will not compromise on terrorism at any cost. Whatever is justified will be done,” he said.
Meanwhile, Naik faced probes by the Centre that covered foreign funding of his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and the CDs of his speeches. The activities of the IRF came under the scanner of the Home Ministry amid allegations that funds from abroad received by it have been spent on political activities and inspiring people towards radical views.
A senior Home Ministry official said a probe had been ordered into the activities of IRF, which was registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The MHA’s probe will cover the allegations that foreign funding to IRF was used in political activities and allegations that the NGO’s funds were used to induce people towards Islam and “attracting” youths towards terror, he said.
Such activities are contrary to the FCRA norms and any violation invites punitive action. The IRF’s source of foreign funding will also be examined thoroughly by the Home Ministry, he added. An online petition has been filed with the MHA listing the allegations against IRF as well as Naik.
Mumbai police form special team to probe Naik’s speeches
Mumbai: The Mumbai police on Friday formed a special team to conduct a probe into controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s speeches and may question people associated with him, a senior official said.
The official said they were yet to get in touch with Naik who is in Saudi Arabia and will return on July 11. “A special team, which comprises cyber cell experts, has been formed to probe Naik’s speeches. Police will examine his speeches on Youtube and also scrutinise the CDs, books and other documents at his office here,” he said.