Zakir Naik cancels return to India after Peace TV ban

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has cancelled his return to India from Saudi Arabia after he came under scanner for inciting religious intolerance and violent extremism through his preachings that allegedly inspired the Dhaka cafe attackers.

Following the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery, both India and Bangladesh have banned the broadcast of his unauthorized Peace TV channel.

Naik was supposed to come back to Mumbai from Saudi Arabia on Monday morning but has canceled the return, sources close to Naik said.

He may also soon issue a clarification through video conferencing over the recent issues.

However, there is no substantial evidence that suggests that Naik through his preachings indoctrinated or radicalised any of the youths linked with terrorism.

His name first appeared in 2002-2003 amid a series of blasts in Mumbai and led Mumbai crime branch to Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) founded by him.

But no evidence was found against him.

While he claims to be an advocate of interfaith dialogue, his preachings reinforce otherwise.

He opposes propagating any other religion and says that non-Muslims should not be allowed to have places of religious worships in an Islamic country.