New Delhi: In what could come as a diplomatic victory for India, radical Islamist preacher Zakir Naik could well be detained in Oman and handed over to Indian agencies, TV reports said.
Zakir Naik ranks high on India’s wanted list and the intelligence agencies have been on the lookout for him & his movements. The radical preacher is likely to land in Oman on March 23 for delivering religious sermons there.
Reports suggest that Indian intel agencies are in touch with Oman authorities and once he lands there, he will be detained as per the local laws and would also be deported.
Naik was reportedly given invitation to deliver two key lectures in Oman. One is “The Quran a Global Necessity”, organized by Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of Oman, scheduled on March 23 (Day 1 of Ramazan).
The second lecture “Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] A Mercy to Humankind” has been proposed for March 25.
There is strong possibility that Oman officials will detain the controversial preacher once he lands there and then oblige the Indian agencies with his custody.
Reports suggest that the matter has also been taken up by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with Oman Ambassador.
The last time, the controversial Islamic preacher was to visit Oman was during FIFA World Cup, last year. His likely visit to Oman for religious sermons had ignited huge controversy. Subsequently, Omani authorities cancelled his proposed sermons during FIFA.
Naik is wanted in India for alleged money laundering and hate speeches in India. He has been fugitive, living in exile in Malaysia since 2017.
