The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday sought issuance of non-bailable warrant (NBW) against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik from a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)court in Mumbai.
In its application, the ED sought the NBW against Zakir Naik saying that the preacher has not joined the investigation so far.
It further added that repeated summons, Zakir Naik failed to appear before the ED.
In February this year, the ED had arrested Naik's close aide Aamir Gazdar.
The ED registered a criminal case against Naik and others last December after taking cognisance of an NIA complaint under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The ED is looking into the charges of alleged illegal funds laundered by the accused in the case and the subsequent proceeds of crime thus generated.
Naik, 51, who is said to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after some perpetrators of the Dhaka terror strike last year claimed they were inspired by him, has been booked along with unnamed IRF officials under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony) beside various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Naik had responded to the ED summons and had said he was willing to give a statement via any electronic media facility as he faces an "extremely hostile environment and atmosphere in India, which makes a fair probe against him impossible".
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(With PTI inputs)
