Zakir Naik inspired 4 Mumbai youth to join Islamic State: report

Mumbai: Controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik who is facing probes for his alleged 'hate speech' which inspired one of the 5 Bangladeshi militants, was also reportedly followed by four more youths from Mumbai known to join Islamic State.

According to reports, Areeb Majeed, who was arrested by Mumbai police upon his return to the country last year for joining IS, admitted in front of security officials that he was inspired from the speeches of Zakir Naik.

According to NIA, Majeed, a student of a college in Panvel, had decided to join extremist outfit ISIS along with three other friends in May 2014.

Reports are also doing the rounds that Naik’s speeches were allegedly found in a Darbhanga library which is frequently visited by Indian Mujahideen members.

According to a report, a number of books, speeches, and photographs of Naik were reportedly recovered from the Dar-ul-Qitab-Sunna library near Al-Hira Public School in the Karimganj area.

Meanwhile, Indian government on Friday said that the speeches of Zakir Naik are being examined.

“His (Zakir Naik) speeches/CDs are being examined, whatever is justified will be done.  As far as Govt of India is concerned, we will not compromise on terrorism at any cost,” said Rajnath Singh.

According to MHA sources, the Centre has asked Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry to re-examine Zakir Naik's speeches to see if any offence was made out.

“The home ministry will study his speeches. It will take appropriate action after studying them. His speeches, as being reported in the media, are highly objectionable,” new information and broadcasting minister, Venkaiah Naidu had told the media on Thursday.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also directed the Mumbai police commissioner to investigate and submit a report on Naik. An official from the home department confirmed the development that the chief minister has told the city commissioner to investigate the preacher.