NIA files chargesheet against Zakir Naik for allegedly inciting youth for terror activities

51-year-old Zakir Naik, who is currently abroad, is being probed under terror and money-laundering charges by the NIA. He fled India on July 1, 2016, after terrorists in neighbouring Bangladesh claimed that they were inspired by his speeches. In November last year, the NIA had registered a case against the televangelist at its Mumbai branch under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His Mumbai-based NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared an unlawful association by the Union Home Ministry.

Naik has been accused of spreading hatred by his speeches, funding terrorists and money laundering over the years. He is believed to have acquired Saudi citizenship, but it’s not confirmed yet. But during his interactions with the Indian media, Naik has repeatedly denied all the charges levelled on him.