Indian televangelist Zakir Naik granted Saudi citizenship: reports
Indian courts have alleged Zakir Naik of terrorist offences and issued arrest warrants
(Web Desk) – Renowned Islamic preacher and Indian televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik has been granted Saudi Arabian nationality by Saudi King Salman, according to reports.
Sources revealed that the Islamic scholar was granted Saudi citizenship to escape arrest as Indian police and Interpol hold him and his religious organization responsible for multiple offences related to terrorism.
Zakir Naik is accused of money laundering and involvement in terrorist activities. Indian courts had issued his arrest warrants for similar charges. Men behind Dhaka terror attack had also confessed to be inspired by the preacher.
Indian law enforcement agencies were reportedly about to revoke his passport, request Interpol to issue arrest warrant and make him return to the country. To escape the arrest, the Islamic preacher stayed in Malaysia where he was touring at the moment and decided not to return to India.
It should be noted that the Malaysian government too had awarded him permanent residency status five years ago.
The Islamic scholar is currently staying in Saudi Arabia. New Delhi had certainly not expected the Saudi government to make such a move. Reports claim that Saudi King Salman helped Zakir Naik attain the citizenship.
