New Delhi: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to record his statement in the money laundering case against him via video conferencing, asserting that he faced a hostile atmosphere in India that would make a fair probe impossible.
Naik founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) that was last November barred from receiving foreign funds and outlawed under India's anti-terror law for five years.
Last week, the ED had arrested Naik's aide Aamir Gazdar after he allegedly did not cooperate with officials probing allegations that IRF funds were laundered and diverted to Peace TV that telecasts Naik's statement that promote enmity and hatred between religious groups,
Naik had been told to appear before officials of the directorate - the lead agency mandated to probe money laundering - on February 9. But in his response filed through his lawyer, Naik claimed that he faces an extremely hostile atmosphere in India and asked the ED for a few months' time to return to the country.
"My client is willing and ready to give any statement before you via Skype or any other mode of electronic media to assist you in your investigation," Naik's letter said.
Naik has also asked investigators to wait for the order of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal headed by a high court judge which was hearing his plea against the IRF's ban under the anti-terror law.
Security agencies had started the crackdown on Naik, 51, and his organisations after reports that the terrorists involved in the Dhaka cafe attack last July were inspired by his speeches. Bangladesh too had banned Peace TV in the country soon after.
Naik has been based in Saudi Arabia and put off travel plans to visit India fearing arrest by security agencies after the Dhaka attack that left 29 people dead.
(With inputs from PTI)
Naik founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) that was last November barred from receiving foreign funds and outlawed under India's anti-terror law for five years.
Last week, the ED had arrested Naik's aide Aamir Gazdar after he allegedly did not cooperate with officials probing allegations that IRF funds were laundered and diverted to Peace TV that telecasts Naik's statement that promote enmity and hatred between religious groups,
"My client is willing and ready to give any statement before you via Skype or any other mode of electronic media to assist you in your investigation," Naik's letter said.
Advertisement
Security agencies had started the crackdown on Naik, 51, and his organisations after reports that the terrorists involved in the Dhaka cafe attack last July were inspired by his speeches. Bangladesh too had banned Peace TV in the country soon after.
Advertisement
(With inputs from PTI)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Anti-Terror Agency Arrests 4 For Trafficking Indians On Pretext Of Offering Jobs Bihar IAS Officer, Ex Lalu Yadav Party MLA Raided In Money Laundering Case Enforcement Directorate Can't Arrest People As Per Whims And Fancies: Supreme Court 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare Siddaramaiah Deletes Post On 100% Quota Bill, Karnataka Minister Clarifies Puja Khedkar's Disability Document Has Factory Address, Ration Card Proof Huge Fire At Gulati Restaurant In Delhi's Pandara Road, No Casualty "This Is The Final Straw": Elon Musk Moving X And SpaceX Out Of California Urvashi Rautela's Bathroom Video Real Or PR Stunt? Internet Debates Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.