New Delhi: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s lawyer Mobin Solkar said the government can go ahead with extradition proceedings of the former.
The lawyer’s remark came after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad earlier in the day confirmed that Naik will not be deported to India.
“We had refuted the rumours of Zakir Naik being deported to India yesterday and it’s being substantiated now by the Malaysian Prime Minister’s statement. The government of India is free to go ahead with extradition proceedings and the outcome will be dealt with accordingly,” the lawyer told ANI.
Mahathir’s statement came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the extradition request of Naik made by India is under the active consideration of the Malaysian government, as per media reports.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Inspector-General of the Royal Malaysia Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun refuted reports that Naik was being extradited to India.
The Indian government said it is yet to receive an official confirmation from Malaysia with regards to Naik’s extradition.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), that is probing the cases against Naik, too denied having any information about his return to India.
Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India.
He 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 preachings, and were staunch followers of Naik on Facebook and on the Peace Television Channel.
The terror attack had left 22 people dead.
The MEA too had cancelled Naik’s passport and asked Malaysia to hand over the Islamic preacher to India.
The 52-year-old currently holds a permanent resident status in Malaysia, which was confirmed by then Malaysian deputy prime minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last year. (ANI)