Zakir Naik's IRF Foundation issued notice by Home Ministry on dubious use of foreign funds

NEW DELHI : Home ministry has issued notices to preacher Zakir Naik and his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) following allegations that the NGO spent foreign funds on political activities and created radical views among people.

A senior home ministry official said they have issued notices asking Naik and his NGO to reply within 30 days explaining violations committed by his NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

One of the terrorists who carried out the Dhaka attack last month 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.

MHA has also sought law ministry opinion on whether Naik foundation can be banned. His speeches, according to MHA were also instrumental in radicalizing Indian youths including Mumbai resident Areeb Majeeb.

Naik who is believed to be in Saudi Arabia is slated to return towards the end of this year. Mumbai police too had submitted a report to the Centre explaining the role of his NGO in radicalizing many youths who went to join Islamic State in Syria.