Preacher Zakir Naik not returning soon

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is not expected to return home to Mumbai for a few more weeks as he is on a scheduled tour of the UAE and Africa, an aide said here on Monday.

Dismissing speculation of his return on Monday and his addressing the media on Tuesday, the aide said Naik planned to interact with mediapersons over Skype and not in person but that too has been cancelled.

Presently, Naik is in Saudi Arabia. H would proceed to the United Arab Emirates for a series of engagements and later visit Africa before leaving for Mumbai after a few weeks.

Naik, 50, is at the centre of a storm with calls for imposing a ban on his TV for allegedly inflammatory speeches.

The Bharatiya Janata Pary-led government in Maharashtra has already ordered a probe into his teachings, speeches and literature. Its ally Shiv Sena has demanded stringent action under law at par with the treatment given to Hindu activists.

The Centre has indicated that Naik could face action if his speeches were found objectionable while the Indian Union Muslim League has come out in his support.

Naik himself went on social networking sites appealing for public support to help him combat the 'media trial' he is subjected to since the recent terror strike in Bangladesh.

Two of the Dhaka cafe attackers who slaughtered 20 hostages are reported to have drawn inspiration from Naik's speeches.

Bangladesh on Monday took his Peace TV off the air.

--IANS

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