Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik Denies Reports of Saudi Citizenship

Zakir Naik. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher, denied media reports that claimed that he had been granted Saudi citizenship to evade arrest by Interpol.

In a statement that was accessed by The Quint, Naik rubbished the reports. The statement read:

It (news if Saudi citizenship) is false, unless Allah wills. This is how the media even prints gossip as facts.  

According to Middle East Monitor, Zakir Naik had been granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia, by King Salman.

Naik is wanted in India over his alleged connection in the Dhaka terror attack last year, that occurred in a cafe in an upscale neighbourhood in the city. He was booked for allegedly inciting terrorists to carry out the attack.

The NIA had filed an FIR against Naik and his colleagues in Novermber last year.

Last month, India approached the Interpol to issue a ‘Red Corner Notice’ against Naik. A Red Corner Notice ensures that Naik will be declared an international fugitive and can be arrested by any law enforcing agency.

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