MEA starts process to revoke Zakir Naik's passport

The external affairs ministry said yesterday it has started the process to revoke the passport of Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher who is wanted in connection with alleged terror-funding cases

Zakir Naik

The external affairs ministry said yesterday it has started the process to revoke the passport of Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher who is wanted in connection with alleged terror-funding cases.

"We have received a request from the agency concerned a few days ago. We have taken action on that request to revoke the passport. There is a process for such steps which need to be complied with under the provisions of the law and we have taken action," external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in reply to a question.

Naik is being probed for terror and money laundering charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He fled from India on July 1, 2016 after terrorists in neighbouring Bangladesh claimed that they were inspired by his speeches on waging 'jihad'. Naik had his passport renewed in January last year and it has a validity for 10 years, according to security agencies.

The NIA, on November 18, 2016, had registered a criminal case against Naik at its Mumbai branch under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared as an unlawful association by the government.

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