Adding to the woos of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Mumbai Police has lodged a case of forceful conversion and radicalisation against two of his aides- Arshi Qureshi and Rizwan Khan.
According to a report in The Indian Express, both Qureshi and Khan were arrested by Kerala Police last month for alleged radicalisation of 21 youths of the state who reportedly fled to join the Islamic State (IS). The two continue to be in custody of Kerala Police.
“We have registered a case under Section 13 and 38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act read with Section 120 (B) of IPC against four people, including Qureshi and Khan,” IE quoted Joint Commissioner of Police ( Crime) Sanjay Saxena as saying.
According to the report, case against Qureshi and Khan was lodged after Abdul Kader, one of 21 youths, lodged a complaint with Mumbai Police alleging that the two radicalised his son.
Quoting its source, the report adds that Mumbai Police will also question Zakir Naik if his name surfaces in this case.
Arshi Qureshi worked as a guest manager with Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation, Rizwan Khan worked as a volunteer with Al-Birr Foundation which allegedly helps people to convert to Islam.
Maharashtra ATS had submitted a report in the past alleging that Al-Birr Foundation has a “close connection” with Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation.
