Zakir Naik postpones return to Mumbai for 'two-three weeks'

Controversial Islamic leader Zakir Naik cancelled his return from Saudi Arabia to Mumbai on Monday, saying in a statement that he has not been contacted by any Indian agency over the allegations that his talks on his evangelical channel Peace TV influenced the terrorists behind the Dhaka restaurant siege on 1 July.

Naik said in his statement: "It would be my pleasure to cooperate with any official Indian government investigation agency for any information they might require from me." He added that he "does not support terrorism or violence" nor "any terrorist organisation", according to the Hindustan Times.

Naik has been accused not only of inspiring the Bangladesh terrorists, but also about 20 young people from Kerala who disappeared after visiting countries in the Middle East and are suspected to have joined terror group Islamic State.

According to Naik's aide, he cancelled his return from Saudi Arabia because he is planning to tour some African nations.

"His travel schedule had been made long back," said Naik's aide. "After performing Umrah, he is scheduled to travel to Jeddah from where he will visit Africa for public talks scheduled there. He is, therefore, not expected in the country for another two to three weeks at least."

However, added the aide, Naik will address the media via Skype on Tuesday to clear the allegations against him.

Naik has been under surveillance by the Mumbai police and intelligence agencies since his name was associated with the 2003 serial blasts in Mumbai, said a senior IPS officer.

"There is little possibility that Naik would try to influence the youth using a public platform such as Peace TV. What if Naik met any youth who joined IS or any other terrorist organisation behind closed doors?" asked the IPS officer.

Two of the missing youngsters from Kerala had met Naik in Mumbai, revealed their father on Sunday.