Zakir Naik Says 'Ready to Return If Supreme Court Assures Protection From Arrest Till conviction'

New Delhi, May 9: Fugitive Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has said that he is ready to return to the country if the Supreme Court of India gives an assurance that he would not be arrested till his conviction. Naik, who is currently living in Malaysia, fled from India in 2016. Controversial Islamic preacher has been given permanent resident status by the Malaysian government. Zakir Naik Case: ED Books Fugitive Islamic Preacher For 'Rs 193.06 Crore Money Laundering', Files Chargesheet.

Speaking to The Week magazine, Naik said he has faith in the Indian judicial system, but it was better before than its now. "Before the BJP government came, you could speak against the government, and at least 80 per cent of the times you would get justice. Today, the chances are 10-20 per cent," he said. ED Files Charge Sheet Against Zakir Naik, Attaches His Properties Worth Rs 50 Cr.

"Moreover, if we see the history, more than 90 per cent Muslims who faced terror charges have been let free after 10-15 years. So if I look at an average, I will be behind bars for about 10 years, and my entire mission would get disrupted. Why should I be a fool," he said.

He added that NIA (National Investigation Agency) can question him in Malaysia, if they want. Naik, the founder of Peace Tv, is wanted by India for allegedly inciting youths with his hate speeches. He is also being probed for terror and money laundering charges by the NIA. Sri Lanka Cable Operators Block Indian Islamic Preacher Zakir Naik's Peace TV Following Easter Sunday Bombings.

On May 3, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a charge-sheet against Naik, accusing him of delivering "incriminating" speeches during the conferences organised by his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in Mumbai during 2007 and 2011. The ED had also confiscated his properties worth Rs 50.46 crores.

"Proceeds of crime totalling Rs 193.06 crore have been quantified in the case. Other than these attachments, investigation in respect of investments of Zakir Naik in Dubai to ascertain and identify the properties outside the country is under progress," the ED said.

Squashing ED's allegations, Naik said he has one bank account. "I have several companies and I am actually doing business. Is there a restriction in Indian law that a person cannot own companies? People have 50 companies and sometimes there are no transactions in some," he said.

"Now all that money I sent into my account was Rs. 49 crore in seven years. I told you my earning is more than a crore a month and I have got a lot of businesses in real estate and other ventures. It will be a crime if I use some of the money for drugs or terrorism," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2019 09:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).