India’s request to extradite Zakir Naik ‘under consideration’ by Malaysia: MEA

NEW DELHI: Malaysia is considering India's request to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday.


In its weekly media briefing, the ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ministry has made a formal request for the extradition of Zakir Naik, who is an Indian National living in Malaysia, as per the extradition treaty between India and Malaysia.

"At this stage, our request is under the active consideration of Malaysian side," Kumar added.


Yesterday, Naik, who has been living outside India to evade arrest in various cases, had termed as baseless reports of his returning to the country.

His statement, issued through his spokesman here, came amid reports that he was being deported to India from Malaysia.

Sources in the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi, however, said they were yet to receive any official confirmation from the Malaysian authorities regarding his deportation.

The MEA's statement came even as Inspector-General of the Royal Malaysia Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun refuted reports of Naik's extradition, according to a report on local news portal New Strait Times.

"I deny any reports on efforts being made to send him (Zakir) back. I can't comment further, but for now, he will not be sent back today," he was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

Previously, several media reports indicated that Naik would be extradited to India on Wednesday night. Even lawyers, who are representing the Islamic preacher, have denied such a claim.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), that is probing the cases against Naik, too had denied having any information about his return to India.

Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India.

Naik is facing probe both in India and Bangladesh after two of the suspects in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016 claimed that they were inspired by Naik's radical preaching, adding that they were staunch followers of Naik on Facebook and on the Peace Television Channel. The terror attack had left 22 people dead.

Following a request from Bangladesh, probes were launched by both NIA and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Naik and his NGO - Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing allegations of money laundering against the NGO and has declared it unlawful.

The MEA too has cancelled Naik's passport and had asked Malaysia to hand over the Islamic preacher to India. Naik, had last month, petitioned the Bombay High Court seeking relief against passport revocation by MEA. The high court, however, refused to grant relief to Naik.

The 52-year-old currently holds a permanent residence status in Malaysia, which was confirmed by then Malaysian deputy prime minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in last year.

(With inputs from agencies)