Sadhvi Prachi declares Rs 50L bounty on Zakir Naik head

DEHRADUN: Firebrand Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi, who occasionally courts controversy with her sensational statements, said on Thursday that Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is guilty of "spreading terrorism" and that the person "who beheads him and hangs his head from the tallest tree" can take home a reward of Rs 50 lakh.

In Haridwar on Friday , Prachi told TOI, "Any person who goes to Saudi Arabia, beheads Naik and hangs his head on the tallest tree of the country will get a Rs 50 lakh-reward from me." She said Naik was "spreading terrorism" under the garb of a preacher."He is a terrorist who supports terrorists. This man has brought a bad name to religious preachers and needs to be punished," she added. Maintaining there was "evidence" to link him with the recent terror attacks in Dhaka, Prachi thundered: "He (Zakir Naik) should not be spared at any cost."

"There is an immediate need to arrest and interrogate all such people like Naik," she said, adding that, "a thorough check is required at all madrassas as they too play an instrumental role in promoting terror activities." Prachi claimed she has been getting death threats from a "number in some foreign country" and that she has approached SSP (Haridwar) Rajeev Swaroop on the matter.

Venue cancels Naik press meet at 11th hour

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik could not interact with the media on Thursday as the venue he was expected to hold a press conference at via Skype cancelled the booking late on Wednesday night. Mehfil Hall in Agripada in central Mumbai was the fifth venue in the last few days to cancel bookings for Naik's presser. Naik's supporters alleged pressure on the venue owners. The televangelist will address the media via Skype at 10am on Friday, his aide said.