India raids Dr Zakir Naik’s NGO, case filed against preacher

MUMBAI: An Indian investigation agency on Saturday conducted raids at 10 premises of Dr Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in Mumbai.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against the famous cleric and others on Friday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Indian cabinet had approved a proposal to outlaw the IRF on November 15 for its alleged terror activities. Dr Naik is currently out of country, sources said.

In a gazette notification, the home ministry had said the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its president Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities.

The IRF has announced to challenge the ban.

“We will be arguing before the tribunal that the UAPA is not applicable on the IRF, and hence, the ban is not valid,” said advocate Mubin Solkar, who is representing Dr Naik.