Centre blocks Zakir Naik’s websites spreading objectionable content

Following the raids conducted by National Investigation Agency (NIA) at 10 places in a case registered against controversial preacher Zakir Naik’s NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the Centre today blocked his websites spreading objectionable contents, speeches and videos, said sources.

The NIA will also raise the issue of suspension of videos on YouTube and Facebook pages with the US since the servers are located there, said sources.

Employees of IRF, Directors of his companies and wife of Zakir Naik may be questioned regarding the funding patterns.

NIA had registered case against Naik and others last week in Mumbai. NIA along with Mumbai Police conducted searches at ten locations of IRF including residential and official premises looking for further evidence and documents.

NIA is likely to call Naik for questioning and likely to issue Red Corner Notice if he doesn’t cooperate. Naik is currently out of the country, and reportedly believed to be somewhere in Africa.

IRF banned for 5 years

Government recently banned Zakir Naik’s IRF for five years terming it illegal. The ban was enforced under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and was approved at a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

Naik’s “objectionable and subversive” speeches, criminal cases filed against him, “dubious” links with Peace TV that allegedly features “communal” and “pro-jihad” were among the reasons cited by the Centre.

The IRF shot into limelight following allegations that Naik’s teachings and preachings had inspired terror strikes, including the terror siege on a Dhaka cafe in July this year that left over 20 people, mostly foreigners including an Indian woman, dead.

Since the past four months, Naik and the IRF are under the scanner of Indian agencies for alleged misdeeds, spreading or promoting communal disharmony, inciting feelings of enmity between communities and inspiring or supporting terror acts.

Source : India Today