ED seeks non-bailable warrant against Naik

After the enforcement directorate (ED) attached property worth ₹18.37 crore belonging to controversial televangelist Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), it is set to tighten the noose further.

The agency has approached a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, seeking a non-bailable warrant against him. “Naik has been non-cooperative and has not appeared despite repeated summons,” said a source close to the development.

The move comes in the wake of Naik failing to appear before the agency, despite them issuing him four summons. The ED first issued summons to Naik in January, after which summons were issued at regular intervals. Sources in the agency said Naik’s overseas properties were also under the Enforcement Directorate’s scanner.

“Naik has failed to appear in person. Certain questions can only be answered by him. His presence is necessary,” said an ED officer privy to the investigation. Though Naik offered to speak to the ED via videoconferencing or answer a questionnaire, sources said the agency was not keen on the idea, saying it would ‘set a wrong precedent’.

The ED alleged Naik established dummy companies in India and abroad “for the diversion of funds”.

The probe gathered momentum with the arrest of Aamir Gazdar, a confidante of Naik.