
The controversial preacher Zakir Naik on Wednesday has denied the news of him being extradited to India.
In a statement issued through his organisation Islamic Research Foundation, Naik dismissed reports of his coming back to India as “totally baseless and false”. He added that he had no plans to return unless he feels safe and is sure of not being subjected to “unfair prosecution”.
However, in a statement, Naik said, "The news of my coming to India is totally baseless and false. I have no plans to come to India till I don't feel safe from unfair prosecution. Insha Allah when I feel that the government will be just and fair, I will surely return to my homeland."
The lawyer of the Zakir Naik, Mubin Solkar had also rubbished Naik's extradition.
"This news is absolutely false and baseless as he (Zakir Naik) is not coming to India today. As far as extradition process is concerned, it was earlier reported that Indian Govt has initiated extradition proceedings but there has been no progress," said Mubin.
It was in November 2016 that the NIA had registered a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
At around the same time, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based IRF as an "unlawful association". Naik had left India in 2016.