No case against Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, says lawyer

MUMBAI: Controversial preacher-cum-televangelist Dr Zakir Naik, who is under scanner in India, is not likely to visit India this year. His lawyer, advocate Mubin Solkar told this newspaper that as per Dr Naik’s schedule that was fixed long back, he will be visiting different countries and lecturing, but is expected to return to India only next year.

Mr Solkar also said that his client has no reason to avoid coming to India as there is no case registered against him. The Maharashtra government, however, claimed that there was actionable evidence against Dr Naik, and he could be arrested the moment he puts his foot in India.

Advocate Solkar said, “It is not true that Dr Naik used to visit India frequently or every two months in the past and he has stopped coming only after the recent investigation against him. He is an NRI and to maintain that status, he is required to stay out of India for a fixed period of time. Hence, even in the past, he used to come to India occasionally.”

Adv. Solkar added that till date, no case had been registered against Dr Naik and neither had any court or investigating agency issued summons to him and hence, there was no need for him to change his schedule and return to India.