Kerala ATS inputs to be added in report on Zakir Naik

The preliminary report in the Dr Zakir Naik probe is said to be in its final stages and will most likely be ready in the coming week. Sources in the Mumbai police on Friday revealed that the report was delayed due to the recent arrest of an employee of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) by the Kerala anti-terrorism squad. Dr Naik’s IRF admitted that Arshi Qureshi, who was arrested from Navi Mumbai on Thursday by a joint team of Maharashtra ATS and Kerala police for allegedly radicalising a Kochi-based woman, has been associated with them, but denied any “terror encouragement” by its staff.

Dr Naik is a televangelist and the founder of the IRF that routinely holds seminars and talks to preach about Islam. Dr Naik is currently mired in controversy following allegations by the Bangladesh government that two terrorists who attacked foreigners in a cafe in Dhaka had been inspired by his talks. Following this, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe against Dr Naik and a Special Investigation Team started looking through his video sermons and public speeches.

Speaking to the media on Friday, D.D. Padsalgikar, commissioner of police, said that the preliminary report was likely to be ready by next week. “There have been some delays in the report. n Turn to Page 6