The report of the Mumbai Police’s inquiry against preacher Zakir Naik is expected to be submitted to Maharashta Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by next week, Mumbai Police Commissioner D D Padsalgikar said on Friday.
Dr. Naik has been at the centre of controversy since it emerged that one of the terrorists involved in the Dhaka attacks earlier this month was following him on social media. On July 10 The Hindu had reported that Mirza Himayat Baig, the lone convict in the German Bakery blast case, was also influenced by Dr. Naik. The CM had instructed the Mumbai Police to conduct an inquiry into the content and nature of his sermons, after which the Special Branch initiated a probe.
“The report is in its final stages and we are likely to submit it by next week,” Mr Padsalgikar said.
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Officials said the police was expecting to submit the report this week itself. However, the arrest on Thursday of Arshid Qureshi from Navi Mumbai for his alleged links to the Islamic State (IS), and his connection to Dr. Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) changed things.
“We have sought details of the case from the concerned agencies, so that we can get to know the exact extent of Qureshi’s connection to the IRF. This will be included in our report,” Mr. Padsalgikar said.
Meanwhile, in a statement released on Friday, the IRF confirmed that Arshid Qureshi was an employee.
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“Mr. Qureshi is employed at IRF as Guest Relations Manager, and as part of his role, meets several people who visit IRF. Dr. Zakir Naik and IRF have repeatedly condemned AISIS (Anti-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a name given to the IS by Dr. Naik) for being anti-Islamic. It is unthinkable to assume that a staff of IRF will ever encourage anyone to join AISIS ... IRF has never been involved in forced conversions. It is a research body and publishes literature on Islam. People interested in Islamic Literature and information contact IRF from time to time.”