The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is all set to file a chargesheet against controversial Islamic preacher Naik this week for his alleged role in terror funding and money laundering cases, an official said.
The formalities to file the chargesheet against Naik, who left the country in July last year, had been completed and it would be submitted before a special court this week, the official said.
The 51-year-old televangelist, who is currently abroad, is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by the NIA. Naik never returned to India after a Bangladesh newspaper carried a report that terrorists involved in the July 1, 2016 attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka were inspired by his speeches.
The NIA, on November 18, 2016, registered a case against Naik at its Mumbai branch under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
His Mumbai-based NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared an unlawful association by the Union Home Ministry.
Naik is said to have acquired citizenship of Saudi Arabia but this has not been confirmed yet.
Provocative speeches
The controversial preacher has been accused of spreading hatred by his provocative speeches, funding terrorists and laundering several crores of rupees over the years.
Naik, a medical doctor-turned preacher, during his interactions with the Indian media from abroad, has repeatedly denied all the charges.
Passport revoked
The NIA approached Interpol after a year-long probe during which the former gathered evidence on his IRF and Peace TV being used to allegedly promote hatred among different religious groups.
Naik’s passport was revoked by the Ministry of External Affairs at the request of the NIA earlier this year.
The probe agency had thrice issued notices under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to Naik, asking him to join the investigation, but he did not appear before it.
