Controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik gets citizenship of Saudi Arabia: Reports

Controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik has been reportedly granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia. According to a report in the Middle East Monitor, Saudi Arabian King Salman has intervened to grant Naik Saudi citizenship to protect him from arrest by the Interpol.

Founder of the banned Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Naik was believed to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after his activities came under scanner following accusations that he had inspired some of the terrorists who attacked a cafe in Dhaka last year.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed an FIR against Naik and his associates in November.

Read | NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against Zakir Naik for alleged role in terror case

The Centre had declared Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an NGO based at Dongri in south Mumbai, an unlawful organisation under the Unlawful Activities Act (UAPA).

The Delhi High Court had recently upheld the decision to immediately ban IRF saying the organisation and its president and members were indulging in "unlawful activity".

The speeches of Naik are banned in the UK, Canada and Malaysia.