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Zakir Naik delays return to India as officials fail to dig up conclusive evidence against him

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 10 February 2017, 1:49 IST

In the wake of the recent attacks in Bangladesh, and allegations that terrorists responsible for the attacks were inspired by the speeches of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, thorough investigations are being conducted by the Home Ministry to determine whether the contents of his speeches are in fact inflammatory, and pro-terror.

However, preliminary investigations have failed to reveal any conclusive evidence, based on which he could be brought to book for inciting terror attacks. The fact that Naik's speeches seem to have contradictory content makes it difficult to pin him on solid grounds. While in some speeches he appears to glorify jihad and terrorism, in others, he resorts to outright condemning the same.

"We have to study the speeches in totality. If we cite only the pro-jihad and communal speeches while booking him, his legal team will bring up other speeches condemning terrorism and outfits like the Islamic State. We have to guard against this and ensure that our case against Naik stands judicial scrutiny," an official was quoted to have said in a Times of India report.

While charges could be brought against him under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code for inciting communal hatred, the lack of conclusive evidence bars officials from taking the requisite steps. The Home Ministry is seeking enough evidence to be able to slap a water-tight case against the controversial preacher under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, following which strict action can be initiated against him. Reports suggest that he is going to be monitored very closely in the meantime.

Maharashtra State Intelligence Department (SID), which was under orders from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to study his speeches in detail, has also given a clean chit to Naik. After having closely studied Naik's allegedly inciteful speeches, the SID has ruled out foul play, saying no case can be made out against him.

"There is no case to be made out against the English-speaking preacher, except maybe the possible charge of hurting religious sentiments, but even that cannot be established from his speeches. We are tracking his movements and only if he speaks something out of turn, we can 'pin' him down on a charge. For now, we are closely monitoring him," a senior police official was quoted to have said in a Hindu report.

Amidst the brewing controversy, Zakir Naik has been in Saudi Arabia, where he had gone for 'Umrah'. Reports suggested he was to return to India on Tuesday, but has now put off his arrival indefinitely. He is now reportedly headed to Africa, where he is expected to deliver sermons.

"If time permits, God willing, in the next few days I will give replies to some of the major allegations on video and give it to the media as well as put it up on social media as well as other public platforms so that the original answers are also available if the media mis-utilises it," Naik had said in a statement issued through his public relations personnel.

First published: 12 July 2016, 11:09 IST