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Published : 08 Jul 2016, 02:54 PM
The call for action against Naik comes following reports that recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh had been carried out by elements inspired by his discourses broadcast by his Peace TV channel.
The TOI report says clerics of the Barelvi order in Bareilly city demanded Naik’s arrest and a ban on his TV station during the special programme at an Eidgah.
"It has been reported that terrorists who attacked the Dhaka cafe were inspired by Naik. His speeches support terror and radicalise people. Naik should be arrested and his channel, Peace TV, banned," the paper quoted Maulana Shahbudeen Razvi having said.
Maulana Asjad Raza Khan Qadri, Bareilly city qazi, also demanded a ban on Naik for his 'hate' speeches.
"Naik's activities are against Islam and Indian culture. Back in 2008, the state government had banned his programmes in Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad," he said.
The government of India is said to be already planning an investigation into the Naik’s activities and sermons after learning that his speeches had instigated the Dhaka cafe attack.
The country’s Information Minister Venkaiah Naidu has said the home ministry would scan Naik’s speeches and take the needed steps.
He described as “unfortunate” the manner in which his speeches had circulated in the mass media.
The government of Maharashtra, meanwhile, had already ordered an investigation into speeches, writings, and other materials of Zakir Naik, who is also the president of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an official has said.
Naik is believed to the most discussed preacher next to Arab religious exponents and is understood to have considerable influence on listeners in Bangladesh.
His interpretations of Islam have often triggered controversies and are thought to be luring many South Asian Youths to the path of militancy.
Naik's Islamic Research foundation is banned in Canada and the UK on the ground of fanning hatred.
Predominantly Muslim Malaysia, too, has clamped down on his speeches.
Born and living in Mumbai, 50-year old Naik is a qualified doctor who left the medical profession to found the IRF which runs the Islamic International School and NGO United Islamic Aid for poor and destitute.
Considered an authority on "comparative religion", Naik is the founder of Peace Television channel, Peace TV Bangla and Peace TV Urdu, and Dawah which invites people to understand Islam through dialogue.
