Asserting that the government would not compromise on terrorism, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that security agencies were examining at least two CDs containing speeches given by Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.
“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik’s speeches and have given necessary instructions for a probe. A thorough investigation will be done. CDs of his speeches are being examined,” Mr. Singh said on the sidelines of a function here.
Funding under scanner
Home Ministry officials said they were also examining the flow of foreign funds to the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an NGO set up by Mr. Naik. The officials said they had received complaints that funds from abroad were being spent on political activities and to radicalise people.
The officials said an investigation had been ordered into the activities of the IRF, which was registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
Mr. Naik has come under the scanner after it was reported that his speeches had inspired some of the Dhaka cafe attackers. The Maharashtra government has already ordered a probe.
The Home Ministry probe will cover allegations that foreign funding to the IRF was used for political activities. It will also look into allegations that the NGO’s funds were used to “attract” youths towards terrorism, the officials said. An online petition has been filed with the Home Ministry, listing all the allegations against the IRF and Mr. Naik.
‘Security hazard’
Officials said that according to an Intelligence report, the content of the Peace TV, in which Mr. Naik regularly appears and gives sermons, posed a “security hazard.”
Mr. Naik, however, has said that he “totally disagreed” with the view that he had inspired the Dhaka attackers. “There is not a single talk of mine where I encouraged one to kill another, whether Muslim or non-Muslim,” he said.
