Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today directed Mumbai Police to launch a probe into controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's public documents.
The Chief Minister has personally asked the City Police Commissioner to initiate an inquiry into his documents and submit a report.
"I have asked the Mumbai Police Commissioner to conduct a probe (into Naik's speeches) and submit a report," the Chief Minister said.
Everything, including Naik's speeches, his social media accounts, sources of funding (of a foundation run by him in Mumbai) will be scrutinised, Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, said.
The latest development comes hours after cops were deployed outside Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai. A senior Mumbai Police official said security personnel have been deployed outside Naik's office at Dongri area in South Mumbai, as a precautionary measure in the wake of the recent developments.
Naik is on the radar of the government after Bangladesh asked India to ban him. A controversial preacher, Naik hit the headlines following revelation that two out of five young militants who attacked a popular cafe in Dhakha on July 1 drew their inspiration from his speeches.
Notably, Naik is banned in the United Kingdom and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions.
Naik, in his lecture aired on Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, had reportedly "urged all Muslims to be terrorists". He is known in Bangladesh through his Peace TV.
Meanwhile, government today hinted that it may take action against Naik.
"The Home Ministry will analyse everything," Information and Broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu Naidu said, adding that speeches of Naik "are objectionable".
When MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju was asked about the government’s seriousness on the issue, he said, “Can’t announce now, after investigation you will find out how seriously government is taking this.”
Meanwhile, BJP MP from Maheish Giri has written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh demanding investigation into activities and conduct of the Islamic preacher.
“It is a matter of great concern that a person whose speeches are motivating youth to turn towards terrorism and being freely allowed to give such speeches that mislead the youth. It is requested that Dr Naik be investigated on highest priority as well as stringent action be taken against him for giving speeches that instigate people to follow the path of terrorism and violence and speeches that fragment our society, Further, action should be taken against those operators who show Peace TV,” it reads.
