NIA Wants Interpol to Declare Zakir Naik International Fugitive

The NIA wants Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice against Naik so that he can be arrested by any agency.

File photo of Zakir Naik (Photo: The Quint)

The National Investigation Agency on Thursday approached the Interpol to issue a ‘Red Corner Notice’ against Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who has been leveled with terror and money laundering charges.

A Red Corner Notice ensures that Naik will be declared an international fugitive, and can be arrested by any law enforcing agency.

According to a report in the Times of India, the Interpol was roped in after a ten-month long investigation confirmed the charges against Naik and his NGO, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

Naik is believed to be hiding either in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, while moving between Malaysia and Indonesia, according to intelligence agencies.

Also Read: NIA Summons Zakir Naik on 14 March, ED Interrogates His Sister

Special Tribunal Upholds Ban on IRF

A special tribunal, headed by Justice Sangeeta Dhingra of the Delhi High Court, on Thursday upheld the government's decision to ban controversial preacher Zakir Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

The presiding officer of the tribunal found that IRF was involved in activities threatening sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of India.

The entire material placed on record shows that the IRF was involved in activities which not only incite and encourage the youth to under take the unlawful activities with and intent to threaten the sovereignty, unity, integrity and security of India. It also caused disaffection against India, which leaves no doubt that the ingredients of section... of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967 are met and there is every reason to conclude that the IRF be declared as an unlawful association.

The Tribunal

(With inputs from PTI)