Mumbai: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been declared a proclaimed offender by the designated NIA court, and the process to attach his assets has been initiated, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Friday.
The court order said the process for attachment of Naik’s property under Section 83 of the CrPC (attachment of property of person absconding) has been initiated by the NIA. This comes after two non-bailable warrants (NBW) were issued against him. The NIA told the special court that Naik has been promoting enmity between religious groups in India through his public speeches and lectures on various platforms, and inciting Muslim youth and terrorists in India and abroad to commit unlawful activities and terrorist acts. These activities by him and his associates are leading to disaffection against the Indian government and are prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony among various communities.
The NIA also said Naik is staying outside the country to evade arrest and that his presence is urgently required to unearth the conspiracy, for which an NBW is needed.
Earlier, the advocate appearing for the NIA said Naik has been served three summonses, but he hasn’t responded. The NIA has registered a case against Mr Naik under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Judge V.V. Patil said there is substance in the allegations and issued the NBW against Naik.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act court had also issued an NBW against Naik after the Enforcement Directorate requested for it to investigate cases of money laundering.