NIA books Zakir Naik for promoting enmity, inciting Muslim youth

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) booked controversial TV evangelist Dr Zakir Naik on Friday on charges of inciting Muslim youth to indulge in violence and promoting enmity between groups on the basis of religion and race. The agency has charged that Naik’s activities are prejudicial to national integration.

The NIA action follows the government decision to declare Naik’s outfit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). “The NIA has registered an FIR against Dr Naik under the UAPA and he will soon be asked to join the investigation. If he doesn’t, the agency will ask the court to declare him a proclaimed offender and set in motion to attach the properties of the IRF,” said a senior home ministry official.

The Mumbai traffic police have issued a traffic advisory for Bandra-Kurla Complex (BCK) during the Global Citizen Festival India, headlined by British rock band Coldplay, on Saturday.

BKC Road from Bharat Nagar junction to MTNL junction will be closed for traffic between 11pm on Friday and 11pm Saturday. Bharat Diamond Bourse gate no 8, Trident Hotel junction and Sofitel Hotel will also be out of bounds for vehicles. The ‘restricted’ roads will, however, be open for VIPs, sponsors and pass holders attending the festival, to be held on the MMRDAgrounds.

Zakir Naik: