Zakir Naik Case: ED Attaches Assets Worth Rs 16.40 cr Under PMLA

ED has attached fresh assets worth Rs 16.40 crore in its money-laundering probe against Islamic preacher Zakir Naik

Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. 

(Photo Courtesy: YouTube screengrab)

The ED has attached fresh assets worth Rs 16.40 crore in connection with its money-laundering probe against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, it said on Saturday, 19 January.

In a statement it said it had issued a provisional order for attachment of Naik's assets, located in Mumbai and Pune, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The estimated value of the immovable assets was Rs 16.40 crore, the central probe agency said.

This is the third such attachment in the case by the ED. The agency is probing the case after taking cognisance of an FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Naik, who is said to be based in Malaysia at present.

According to The Indian Express, in the charge sheet, Naik is said to have deliberately and maliciously insulted the religious beliefs of Hindus, Christians and non-Wahabi Muslims, particularly Shia, Sufi and Barelwis. The charge sheet stated that the Islamic Research Foundation and Harmony Media have been instrumental in the maximum circulation of such incriminating speeches and that the accused was receiving funds from the Foundation and other sources.

With the latest order, the total value of assets attached in the case by the ED stands at Rs 50.49 crore.

(With inputs from PTI and The Indian Express)