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Venkaiah Naidu hints at action against preacher Zakir Naik

Naik was reacting to reports from Bangladesh that two of the terrorists – Rohan Imtiaz and Nibras Islam – who hacked to death 20 people at Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant were inspired by him.

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“We have to scan his speeches to see if he has at any time justified terrorism, creation of a “Caliphate” through jihad, or endorsed or promoted a banned terrorist outfit like Islamic State. But as a minister, I will not comment what action will be taken”, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju told reporters in New Delhi.

Naik, in his lecture in Peace TV, reportedly “urged all Muslims to be terrorists”.

Controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik has denied that his speeches promote terrorism, and welcomed investigations against him. “The name is given by enemies of Islam”.

He is banned in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Canada.

Sivarraajh also expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s statement which called for action against any religious or political leader who issued controversial remarks against any religion.

Now in Saudi Arabia for Umra, Naik said he was not shocked that the Dhaka attackers knew him. “I request your good office to first act to prevent entry of Zakir Naik in India and investigate thoroughly all his activities and the activities of all affiliated organisations, institutes, and the funding which he or his institutes receive and its utilisation”.

“Home Ministry will look into the matter and will take proper action after this”.

“Today, as we are aware, there are some people who misguide Muslims and in the name of Islam, they encourage them to kill innocent people, which is totally against the Quran”, he added.

Contrary to reporting of majority of Indian media accusing the scholar, IndianExpress approached the Islamic preacher for his views on the matter. Ninety per cent of Bangladeshis would know me, including senior politicians, philanthropists, common men, students and more. I agree I do inspire people close to Islam but every fan may not follow everything what I say.

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But many say that the controversial cleric twists Islamic teachings to incite hate. Am I shocked that the attackers knew me? The organization has shrugged off any responsibility for radicalising claiming that Naik has always condemned terrorism as un-Islamic.

Govt to take action against Zakir Naik