Will return to India when govt will be just and fair, says Zakir Naik amid extradition reports

Newsroom, Jul 4: Several media reports today claimed that doctor-turned-preacher Zakir Naik, who is allegedly being targeted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and its agencies, will be sent back from Malaysia.

The National Investigation Authority had in 2017 filed a criminal case against Dr Naik, the founder of Islamic Research Foundation. Indian television channels such as Times Now, ABP News and Republic quoting a top Malaysian police officer said that Zakir Naik "will be taking a flight to India today".

However, the lawyer of the Dr Naik has rubbished the claims, saying there was no notice from the government in this regard as yet. A special court in Mumbai had on July 21, 2017, declared Naik a "proclaimed offender".

Meanwhile, the embattled preacher has denied the news through IRF that he is headed to India anytime soon.

"The news of my coming to India is totally baseless and false. I have no plans to come to India till I don't feel safe from unfair prosecution. Insha Allah when I feel that the government will be just and fair, I will surely return to my homeland," says a statement by the IRF, on behalf of Zakir Naik.

Later last year, a report had also claimed that Malaysia has granted permanent residency to the founder of Islamic Research Foundation. It was in November 2016 that the NIA had registered a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. At around the same time, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based IRF as an "unlawful association". Naik had left India in 2016.