Sena MP seeks ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant on Wednesday demanded an immediate ban on Islamic preacher and scholar Zakir Naik, who is under scanner after the Dhaka terror strike.

In a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Sawant said the youths who perpetrated the Bangladesh terrorist acts have claimed they were inspired by the teachings of the Mumbai-based Naik.

Despite repeated attempts by IANS, Naik and his spokesperson were not available for their comments.

"This is not the first incident that terrorists have named Naik for such inspiration. The boys who joined ISIS from India have also made the same statement," Sawant informed Singh.

He urged the home ministry to put a ban on Naik's movements in the country, investigate thoroughly his activities and his affiliated organisations and institutes and their funding.

In addition to a ban on him, Sawant sought restrictions on Naik's private television.

Born and living in Mumbai, the 50-year-old Naik is a qualified doctor who left the medical profession to set up the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which runs the Islamic International School and NGO United Islamic Aid for the poor and destitute.

--IANS

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