NIA Set To Move A Request For Zakir Naik’s Provisional Arrest In Malaysia

Apart from submitting a fresh plea to Interpol for a red corner notice against Islamist televangelist Zakir Naik on Tuesday, the National Investigation Agency will soon seek his provisional arrest in Malaysia, Times of India has reported.

In November this year, Malaysia’s deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the Malaysian Parliament that India had not requested Naik’s extradition, adding that Kuala Lumpur will send the fugitive back if New Delhi requests via the Mutual Legal Assistance framework between the two countries.

The deputy prime minister, however, refused to revoke Naik's permanent residency status in Malaysia, saying the televangelist had not violated any local laws.

According to the Times of India report, when India sends a request for the televangelist’s provisional arrest as per the terms the agreement, Malaysia will be obligated to confirm Naik's location within its jurisdiction and arrest him pending presentation of a formal extradition request by New Delhi. India will have to send a formal request for his extradition within 60 days of his arrest.

The Indian government had in July revoked the passport of the fugitive preacher following a recommendation from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The radical preacher, wanted in India in cases related to terrorism and money laundering, is seeking Malaysian citizenship, PTI had reported in May.

Interpol had rejected India’s request for a red corner notice against him, saying that no chargesheet was filed against him at the time of submitting that request. NIA is now planning to submit another request to the organisation for a notice against Naik with a copy of the chargesheet filed against him in October.