NNWN/ Mumbai, 2017-07-18
Controversial Islamic Research Foundation president Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is in more trouble. The Regional Passport Office (RPO) has revoked the Indian passport of Naik under the provisions of the Passport Act, 1967, said National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The NIA has issued notices thrice to Naik but later did not join the investigation . The NIA Special Court issued a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Naik on April 21.Meanwhile, on June 15, the NIA Special Court, issued proclamation 82 Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) requiring the appearance of Naik. The NIA said it was also tracking Naik's financial transactions that include at least 10 companies and 19 properties in Mumbai and Pune, in which Naik has invested an estimated Rs.104 crore.
The NIA has also initiated proceedings to get a Red Corner Notice against Naik and has sent the requisite documents to the National Central Bureau of Interpol in India on May 11, 2017.
A criminal case against Naik has been registered in Mumbai under Sections 153 A of Indian Penal Code and Sections 10, 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The IRF has already been declared as an Unlawful Association by Government of India as per a notification dated November 17, 2016. The NIA has been looking for Naik since last year accusing him of encouraging and aiding his followers through his public speeches, lectures and talks, to promote on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will between different religious communities and groups.