Inspiration to terrorism? MHA to probe if Zakir Naik’s NGO violated FCRA

NEW DELHI: Preacher Zakir Naik and his Islamic Research Foundation have come under the scanner of the Union home ministry following allegations that the NGO spent foreign funds on political activities and created radical views among people.

A senior home ministry official said it was examining whether any violations have been committed by Naik’s NGO registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

One of the terrorists who carried out the Dhaka attack last week had claimed that Naik’s speeches had inspired him. Twenty-two people, mostly foreigners, including an Indian were massacred in an upscale restaurant in Dhaka on July 1.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on Friday that CDs of his speeches were being examined while asserting that the government will not compromise on the issue of terrorism.

“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik’s speeches and have given necessary instructions for a probe. A thorough investigation will be done. CDs of his speeches are being examined,” Singh said.

The Maharashtra government also has ordered a probe into Naik’s speeches. The home ministry probe will cover the allegations that foreign funding to IRF was used for political activities and that the NGO’s funds induced people towards Islam and “attracted” youths towards terror, said a senior government official.

FCRA provisions do not permit even political activity and any violation invites punitive action. IRF’s source of foreign funding will also be examined thoroughly by the home ministry, the official said.

An online petition has been filed with the home ministry listing all the allegations including violations of FCRA against IRF as well as its chief Zakir Naik. The Mumbai-based preacher has denied the charges.

According to MHA officials, Naik’s speeches, his social media accounts and sources of funding of a foundation run by him in Mumbai will be scrutinised with the help of agencies.