NEW DELHI: Hours after
Interpol refused to issue a red corner notice (RCN) against controversial Islamic preacher
Zakir Naik, the
National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it will submit a fresh request for the same after completing requisite formalities, news agency ANI reported on Saturday.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for Naik had issued a statement saying: "Interpol has cancelled red corner notice on Dr Naik and instructed its worldwide offices to delete all data from files on him, have cited political and religious bias among other reasons."
The NIA then came out with a clarification, saying Interpol had not accepted the request to issue a Red Notice against the controversial Islamic preacher as the intelligence agency had not filed a chargesheet for Naik's arrest.
The agency has already moved the NIA court for a chargesheet against Naik and will once again petition Interpol for a RCN.
"NIA's request for Red Notice against Zakir Naik was not accepted by Interpol as chargesheet had not been filed when request was submitted to the Interpol HQ. Will now submit fresh request to Interpol as chargesheet has already been filed in the concerned NIA court in Mumbai," ANI reported quoting a source in the intelligence agency.
Zakir Naik, who is being probed for terror and money laundering charges, is said to be hiding either in
UAE or
Saudi Arabia, according to the intelligence agencies.
The Interpol RCN against Naik would mean that he will be declared an international fugitive and could be arrested by any agency around the world.
Naik is accused of spreading hatred by his provocative speeches, funding terrorists and laundering several crores of money over the years.