Following the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate in the money laundering case, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has said that he is willing to assist the probe and give statement via any electronic media facility.
In a letter to the investigating agency through his lawyer, the founder of Islamic Research Foundation said,” My client is willing and ready to give any statement before you via Skype or any other mode of electronic media to assist you in your investigation.”
Claiming that he faces an extremely hostile atmosphere in India, Naik sought a few month’s time to appear before ED in Person.
Arguing that since the summon was served to his brother and not him on February 9, he maintained that it would not be construed as proper service (of summons).
IRF was banned for five years by the government last year under the UAPA for its alleged terror activities.
Naik, who is believed to be in Saudi Arabia, also urged the investigative body to wait for the order of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal before asking him any questions pertaining to the ban which has been contested.
The central probe agency had registered a criminal case against Naik and others in December, 2016 after taking cognizance of an NIA complaint under the UAPA.
Last week, the ED had arrested Aamir Gazdar, a close aide of Naik, in connection with the money laundering case.
Naik, along with unnamed IRF officials, has been booked under section 153A, IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), besides various UAPA sections.
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