Dr Zakir Naik

Televangelist Zakir Naik, who was to address the media on Tuesday, is not coming to the city. Sources informed that Naik who was in Mecca, did not board the flight with his family.

Mr Naik, who heads the Islamic Research Foundation is currently mired in controversy after the Bangladesh government alleged that two terrorists who attacked foreigners in a cafe in Dhaka, had been inspired by Mr Naik’s speeches. Following this, the chief minister ordered a probe into his role and the Mumbai police formed a team of nearly 20-25 officers are currently scanning videos, sermons and going through Mr Naik’s publications.

According to sources, Mr Naik said, “I would have loved to give interviews whether for television channels or for the print media, but I fear that most of them will not publish it unedited or without twisting it. I came to this conclusion after I had given a few interviews, most of which were unfortunately mutilated and misutilised to serve the vested agenda of the channel or the newspaper.”

Sources informed that Mr Naik had no plans to return to the city soon. “As far as we know he is going to come only next year,” said an IRF employee. When asked about the press conference he had called for, the source reveals, “He was never going to address it personally. May be he was going to appear via a video conference.”

Naik, in his statement further states, “I am shocked at the media trial on me regarding the recent terrorist attack that took place in Dhaka. Most of the clips shown on the television of myself are either out of context, half statements or doctored. So are my statements in the print media.”

The Mumbai Police team investigating into Zakir Naik revealed that the preliminary report of the investigation would be sent to the CM in a few days. Sources inform that the police will get in touch with Mr Naik before submitting the final report.

Sources also said that as part of the investigation, statements of employees of the Islamic Research Foundation are being recorded. “These will be included in the preliminary report. We will also include our findings from the videos that we have started scanning,” said an officer.

“It would be my pleasure to cooperate with any official Indian government investigation agency for any information they might require from me,” Mr Naik stated.