Mumbai police seek ban on Zakir Naik’s speeches

The Mumbai police has sought a ban on Islamic preacher-cum-televangelist Zakir Naik’s speeches in Maharashtra on the grounds that parts of his speeches that were examined by them allegedly justified acts of violence and terror, while promoting religious chauvinism and social discord.

In its report submitted to the Maharashtra home department on Monday that will be perused by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action, the police further said that they have sought the opinion of the department of law and justice on whether Naik could be booked under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.

The police is examining if he could be booked on the grounds that certain parts of his speeches allegedly “justify terrorists and terror activities of some organisations”, said a government source who is familiar with the police probe.

The police report claimed that an analysis of some of Naik’s speeches available online showed they were allegedly against religious tolerance and promoted chauvinism and Islamic supremacist views, according to the source. The report also accused Naik’s speeches of creating prejudice against other religions, describing his views on other religions as extreme and against the spirit of religious harmony and co-existence, according to the source.

The report indicated that while Naik insisted upon the fact that the killing of any innocent is wrong, he also allegedly justifies violence at times, according to the source. The report claimed that certain sections of youth were getting attracted to his views.

The city police concluded its report after conducting an examination of Naik’s speeches available online to ascertain if any of them could have inspired youngsters to join terror outfits.

The police exercise occurred in the wake of unverified media reports that that at least one of the attackers who targeted Dhaka’s Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1 was inspired by him. Following the allegations, the Centre directed the home ministry to conduct a probe into the alleged use of foreign funds by the Islamic Research Foundation, linked to Naik.