Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s passport was on Tuesday revoked at the request of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Naik is wanted in connection with alleged terror funding and money laundering cases.
NIA said the travel document was revoked by the Regional Passport Office of Mumbai after Naik failed to respond to a showcause notice issued to him for personal appearance by July 13. The notice was served asking Naik why his passport should not be revoked in view of various investigations pending against him, they said.
He fled from India on July 1, 2016 after terrorists in neighbouring Bangladesh claimed that they were inspired by his speeches on waging jihad.
According to ‘Middle East Monitor’, an online news portal on developments in Middle East, Naik has already been granted citizenship of Saudi Arabia. There was no independent verification to this so far. Naik had his passport renewed in January last year and had a validity for 10 years.
The NIA, on November 18, 2016, had registered a criminal case against Naik at its Mumbai branch under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared as an unlawful association by the Government a day prior to registering of the case.