Interpol refuses to issue red corner notice against Dr Zakir Naik

Dr. Zakir Naik (Photo: Facebook)


The Interpol agency has refused to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against the Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik and the agency has ordered its global offices to delete all the data on him, according to media reports on Saturday.

The Interpol agency cited ‘lack of evidence’ and ‘vague accusation’ against the preacher as the reason of the RCN refusal, according to media reports.

According to media report, Naik’s London-based legal firm was informed about the decision by the Interpol in a letter dated 11 December.

Earlier in October, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a chargesheet against the preacher founder of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for allegedly inciting people for terror activities and giving hate speeches. The NIA in its chargesheet also named IRF and the Harmony Media Limited company.

The charge sheet by the agency was filed under section 10 UA (P) Act and Sections 120B, 153A, 295A, 298 and 505(2) of the IPC.

The 58-page chargesheet accuses Naik of indulging in malicious actions and disturbing communal harmony between communities.

Naik – who enjoys a NRI status – and is a proclaimed offender is also accused of diverting funds for anti-India activities.

The absconding Islamic televangelist was in July declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ by a special court and the NIA initiated the process to attach his assets under the law.

On November 18, 2016, the NIA had lodged a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Simultaneously, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), launched by him as an “unlawful association”.

Following this, the NIA had raised his offices, a school and a private TV channel offices which were later sealed.

(With agency inputs)