Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's passport revoked on NIA's request

Passport authorities have revoked the passport of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik at the request of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Naik is wanted in connection with alleged terror funding cases.

The officials of the probe agency said the travel document was revoked by the Regional Passport Office of Mumbai after 51-year-old Naik failed to respond to a showcause notice issued to him for personal appearance by July 13.

Naik is being probed for terror and money laundering charges by the NIA. He fled from India on July 1, 2016 after terrorists in neighbouring Bangladesh claimed that they were inspired by his speeches on waging jihad.

Naik has already been granted citizenship of Saudi Arabia. 

Naik had his passport renewed in January last year and it is valid for 10 years.

The NIA, on November 18, 2016, had registered a criminal case against Naik at its Mumbai branch under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

His organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has already been declared as an unlawful association by the government

The Interpol was approached against Naik after a yearlong probe during which the NIA gathered evidence of his Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV being used to allegedly promote hatred between different religious groups.

A special NIA court in Mumbai, while issuing a nonbailable warrant against Naik, had said that "there are reasonable grounds to believe that Naik is evading arrest and that he will not voluntarily appear before the court or before the agency."

• Zakir Naik
• Islamic preacher
• Passport revoked
• NIA