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Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik declared ‘proclaimed offender’

Absconding Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' by a special court, the NIA said here on…

Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik declared ‘proclaimed offender’

Zakir Naik (Photo: Facebook)

Absconding Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' by a special court, the NIA said here on Friday.

Following the court order last week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a the process to attach his assets under the law.

According to NIA, the order declaring Naik – who enjoys a NRI status – a proclaimed offender was issued on July 21 after which the process to attach his assets started under the Criminal Procedure Code's Section 83.

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On November 18 last year, 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.

Naik, who left the country early in 2016, is charged with spreading hatred through provocative speeches, terror funding and money-laundering, among others.

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