India revokes Zakir Naik's passport as he fails to respond to summons

Indian authorities have revoked the passport of controversial televangelist Zakir Naik, who is wanted in connection with his role in a terror case.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the Regional Passport Office in Mumbai revoked the passport of Naik under the provisions of the Passport Act 1967.

It mentioned Naik as a resident of B-1005/1006 Jasmine Apartment, 65-B, Dockyard Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai.

The NIA had requested the External Affairs Ministry to revoke Naik's passport after he failed to respond to three summons in cases filed under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against him last year, an NIA official said.

The NIA took the step after a special NIA court on April 21 issued non-bailable warrant against Naik and subsequently issued proclamation on June 15 requiring his appearance.

Following the Dhaka terror attacks last year, the NIA had filed the case against Naik, 51, and other officials of his Mumbai-based NGO Islamic Research Foundation.

Naik was on a tour abroad at that time and has since not returned to India allegedly to evade arrest under various charges, including inspiring terrorist activities and money-laundering.

In December last, the Central government had permanently cancelled the FCRA licence of Naik's NGO and his educational trust after declaring it as a terror outfit.