In its bid to clamp down on ‘radical’ Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, the Centre has constituted as many as nine teams from the Intelligence and investigative agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and others to scan his speeches, social media posts and video footage that are suspected to be an inspiration for terror outfits.
The Home Ministry has constituted four teams to scan the video footage and CDs of Naik’s speeches, three for scanning his writings on social networking sites even as two other teams are monitoring his Facebook posts, official sources said. A preliminary probe by the IB suggests Naik’s speeches and posts are “provocative and inciting in nature”. The probe so far also suggests the dubious role of his NGO Islamic Research Foundation that is suspected to be misusing the funds received for charitable purposes. The Home Ministry is running a check on the clearances granted to his NGO under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and any possible irregularities.
The agencies are also tracking his phone calls and e-mails, the sponsors for funding his tours abroad and his meetings with the nefarious elements here, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Government is also mulling to ban Peace TV through which the hardline Salafist leader is said to be spreading venom in the guise of Islamic preaching. The Government has sought a fresh legal opinion to make a strong case against the controversial preacher.
The Centre is also planning to soon amend the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) so that individuals can also be banned as is the case with outfits.
The provision when incorporated under the UAPA will empower the Government to ban provocative or controversial speakers whose speeches have the potential to inspire people towards terror.
Asserting that the Centre has taken cognisance of Naik's controversial comments regarding terrorism, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier assured that a proper probe would be conducted into the issue.
“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik's speeches and necessary instructions have been issued in this regard. His (Zakir Naik) speeches, CDs are being examined and whatever is justified will be done,” Rajnath told reporters here.
He added that the Government would not compromise on the grave issue of terrorism at any cost.
The Bangladesh Government has alleged that one of the terrorists who attacked an upscale restaurant in the diplomatic zone earlier this month was inspired by Naik's speeches. The Bangladesh Government is also reportedly mulling to ban the Peace TV.
The Salafist orator and founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation is banned in the UK, Canada and Malaysia for his hate speeches.