Tightening noose around Islamic preacher, ED applies to declare Zakir Naik as ‘Fugitive Economic Offender’

New Delhi, September 24: Leaving no stones unturned, the Enforcement Directorate after securing a non-bailable warrant, on Monday applied to declare Zakir Naik as a fugitive economic offender. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed an application before the designated court in Mumbai against the controversial Islamic preacher under the Economic Offenders Act.

 

Moving a step closer in extraditing the controversial leader, the ED had already filed a charge sheet against Zakir Naik. Last time, the Economic Offenders Act was invoked was against the beleaguered business tycoon Vijay Mallya. The amended act gives more power to the ED.

According to the amendment under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, effective action can be taken against economic offenders who have fled Indian jurisdiction. It provides for attachment and confiscation of property of fugitive economic offenders and disentitles them from defending any civil claim. Once declared a fugitive, the ED will also have the power to attach his overseas properties.

Zakir Naik last week had moved a plea through his lawyer seeking time for two months to appear before the court which has already been rejected. He is facing charges of promoting terrorism and disrupting communal peace in society. The investigative agencies have also alleged that Zakir Naik was involved in forceful conversions of people from different religions to Islam.

During the recent bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, PM Modi had discussed about Zakir Naik and India is duly working on his extradition was asserted by EAM S Jaishankar in a press conference.