Court issues NBW against Zakir Naik on ED’s request

Mumbai: A Mumbai special court issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) on Thursday against controversial Islamic preacher and televangelist Zakir Naik on the Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s request. Naik is believed to be currently based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ED moved the court after Naik did not present himself, despite the issuance of four summons for questioning in a money-laundering case. The ED wants to question the preacher over allegations that he and his entities, including non-governmental organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), had laundered foreign donations worth Rs 60 crore between 2013 and 2016.

The ED had moved application seeking an NBW against Naik on Tuesday on the grounds of non-cooperation from him in the investigation. The agency has been opposing Naik’s proposal for being questioned via video conferencing or by answering a questionnaire, which he sought instead of appearing before the ED.

“We will forward the NBW to UAE via ministry of external affairs for its execution. Naik questioning is crucial in the case, as his close confidant Amir Gazdar, who was arrested in the case, has claimed that he acted at the behest of Naik. When we questioned Nailah Noorani, Naik’s sister, she also claimed she acted as per his instructions,” said an ED officer requesting anonymity.

Though the ED had sent four summons to Naik, he did not respond to even one. The agency has the option of even revoking the preacher’s passport and moving for his deportation from the UAE. The agency has already attached assets of Naik and his entities worth Rs 18.73 crore. His overseas properties are now under the agency’s scanner.