NIA urges court to attach Naik's assets

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday approached the NIA Court pleading it to attach some properties of Islamic Research Foundation's (IRF) founder Zakir Naik, claiming that a proclamation notice was issued against him and thus it was essential to attach his properties. This plea was opposed by the defence claiming it was illegal. The court is yet to pass orders in the application.

NIA in their plea claimed that he was declaimed as a proclaimed offence in June 2017 and thus under the proclamation act, it was essential to attach his properties.

The list given by the NIA includes the controversial televangelist's properties in Mazgaon. Naik owns two flats in Maria heights, two flats in Jasmine apartments and one in Crystal residency.

The defence however challenged the issuance of the proclaimation order. They claimed the order was illegal as there was no proper procedure followed and thus the demand made by the NIA deserves to be rejected.

The court would pass orders on the application on the next date. Meanwhile Arshi Qureshi, who was arrested in the same matter as a preacher, was denied bail by the court on Monday.

A case had been registered against Naik in November 2016 under Sections 153A of Indian Penal Code and Sections 10, 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. IRF has already been declared as an Unlawful Association by Government of India as per a notification dated November 17, 2016.