If Zakir Naik is clean, he must face the law here
With fresh revelations made on the controversial preacher Zakir Naik, by one of his business partners, Aamir Abdul Mannan Gazdar, about financial dealings with him, it is evidently becoming clear that Naik was running his empire in an allegedly not clean manner. Gazdar, who was being questioned by the National Investigation Agency, has made the startling revelation that his manager, Aslam Qureshi, during the month between August and October last year, gave him a sum of Rs 148.9 crore in cash for safekeeping, which was then taken away from him in installments. The reading between the lines cannot be ignored. By this time, during which the financial deals took place, Naik had already come in the eye of a storm after reports surfaced that two of the Dhaka terror attackers were his followers. Subsequent to this, the Enforcement Directorate started probing him for two cases. The first was related to an investigation order by the Bangladesh Government into his speeches and writings. And the second was over a criminal case against him and his organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), for laundering illegal funds. Prior to this, many developments took place. The Modi Government had already banned his organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for alleged terror activities. His outfit was barred from receiving foreign funds directly, and its activities were being keenly watched. Besides, all accounts were frozen and his Peace TV channel was banned.
The financial aspect apart, what is more glaring is the alleged role he has played in influencing a jihadi mindset. Naik, dressed in suit and tie, with a skull cap on his head, is known for his public sermons. With oratory skills, Naik could draw large crowds. But his speeches were known to divide rather than unite society; they promoted hatred. Internationally too, he has been banned by countries such as the UK and Canada for inciting religious intolerance and violent extremism. Surprisingly, he had his share of critics from the Muslim community too, who have issued several fatwas against him several times. Fearing criticism, Naik has now taken refuge in Saudi Arabia, which is a safe haven for him because he is a big draw in West Asia. For the Arab world, Naik is an accomplished speaker and one of the most renowned non-Arabic-speaking promulgators of Islam. Since then, the Islamic preacher has been unwilling to come to India, probably due to allegations that he had been an inspiration for terror elements and also due to militancy in India and Bangladesh. But if he believes he is clean, he must return and face the law. The fact that he is not returning, proves the fact that there is more to this issue than meets the eye. Given that it is unlikely that he will come on his own, the Government must explore all options. Already, after his failure to respond to several sermons, a non-bailable warrant has been issued against him by several courts. But more needs to be done to bring him back. Fearing arrest due to personal appearance, the Islamic preacher has asked the investigation agency to send him a questionnaire, but that hardly is an expression of cooperation. All his life he has been in this country. Why does he not come and face trial hereIJ