Is preacher Zakir Naik holed up in Malaysia?

Controversial televangelist Zakir Naik , who is wanted by Indian security agencies for making inflammatory speeches and for the money dealings of his Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, was spotted in Malaysia last week. He was apparently presented an award by Malaysian group Perkasa for his contributions to the cause of Islam.

Controversial televangelist Zakir Naik , who is wanted by Indian security agencies for making inflammatory speeches and for financial dealings of his Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, was spotted in Malaysia last week.

He was apparently presented an award by Malaysian group Perkasa for his contributions to the cause of Islam. The group put up photographs and videos online of the function.

Local media has quoted government officials to say Naik was given permanent resident status in Malaysia five years ago. Indian security experts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they suspected that Naik was now holed up there.

The Mumbai branch of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which recently got a non-bailable warrant against Naik, said the visit was under the scanner.

India has signed the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with 38 other countries, including Malaysia. Authorities said they are exploring options under the treaty. “Efforts to bring him back will continue,” they said.

The treaty, however, does not cover execution of arrest warrants. Malaysian officials have already hinted they would cooperate with India. The treaty defines assistance as taking evidence or statements of people, making arrangements for people to give evidence or to assist in criminal investigation, including the transfer of people in custody, executing searches and seizures, examining objects and sites, providing relevant documents and records, including bank, financial, corporate or business records, providing objects, among others. A special NIA court and a special PMLA court has issued two separate non-bailable warrants against Naik.