Mumbai cops seek ban on Zakir Naik's speeches, say they justified terror acts

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have sought a ban on Islamic preacher–cum-televangelist Zakir Naik’s speeches in Maharashtra on 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 said that 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 are examining if he could be booked under on 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, sources said.