Zakir Naik aide Aamir Gazdaar granted bail

The Special Court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Wednesday granted bail to Aamir Gazdaar, aide to absconding Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) founder Zakir Naik. The relief came after the court found that Gazdaar had made no hawala transaction after the IRF ban. The court held that there is no evidence to prove that accused laundered money through Naik's Harmony Media Pvt Ltd after November 17, 2016. An FIR against Naik and his firms was registered in the case on November 18, 2016.

While arguing for his bail, Gazdaar's advocate said that the accused was arrested on February 16, 2017, under the PMLA Act in connection the FIR filed against Naik. However, Gazdaar's name features nowhere in the FIR. "The accused is just an office bearer and he has not committed any serious economic offence."

The court in its order copy said that the allegations of delivering hate speeches are against Naik and not his associates. Also none of his associates are named in the FIR. "Company indulged in acquisition of funds to the tune of Rs 60 lakh. Events can be said to have committed only after the notification issued becomes effective and that Gazdaar has not done any illegal transactions post the date of notification," it read.

Naik is accused of allegedly spreading the feeling of hatred among the Muslim youths across India and thus his custody is very essential for investigation. Apart from a case registered with the NIA, the ED also registered a money laundering case against the accused and his NGO in 2016.