Always opposed terrorism; Ready to face any probe: Dr Zakir Naik

Mumbai, Jul 15: Rejecting allegations that his sermons “inspired” terror activity, physician-turned-preacher Dr Zakir Naik on Friday clarified that he never encouraged anyone to kill innocents and said he will cooperate with any probe agency if it approaches him.

Talking to media persons via Skype from Medinah, Dr Naik, who is facing the heat over allegations that he inspired some of the Dhaka cafe attackers, condemned all terror attacks and called himself as "a messenger of peace".

“I did not inspire any terrorist... suicide bombings targeting innocent people are condemnable,” Dr. Naik said, adding his statements on terrorism and suicide bombings were “doctored and tampered”.

He said that he has proof to refute all baseless allegations against him.

The Islamic preacher dismissed as “misinformation” that he had ever advocated suicide bombings, saying he always condemned them since innocent people get killed and this is “anti-Islam”.

“However, it (suicide attacks) may be used as a tactic of war to save the country. In all other circumstances where innocents are targeted, it is condemnable.”

The 50-year-old Mumbai-based televangelist, who had earlier cancelled a press conference and had announced his visit to Africa from Saudi Arabia putting off his return to the country, challenged anyone to show him an unedited answer wherein he has not condemned suicide bombings.

Dr Naik also maintained that no government agency has approached him to join investigation in connection with charges levelled against him until now.

“I am willing to cooperate with any probe agency if they approach me,” he added.

He also recalled that he had even addressed IPS officials in the past.

Dr. Naik also stated that he applied for permission to air Peace TV, run by his Islamic Research Foundation, in 2008, but did not get the same as the channel allegedly was “Islamic“.

He also said that terrorists are misguiding innocent Muslims.