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Zakir Naik’s extradition request sent to Malaysia in January, no further Interpol communication yet: MHA
New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) A request for provisional arrest and extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Abdul Karim Naik was sent to Malaysia and a fresh Red Corner Notice (RCN) request sent to Interpol in January this year against him is still unanswered, government told parliament on Wednesday.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said the Malaysian government was requested on January 19 following a fresh RCN issued on January 3 to the Interpol against Naik, who fled India on July 1, 2016 after terrorists in Bangladesh said they were inspired by his speeches.
Interpol is the international organization that facilitates international police cooperation.
“A request for issuance of RCN (against Naik) was sent to the Interpol on May 19, 2017. Clarifications sought by the Interpol on August 10, 2017 and October 6, 2017 were also provided. However, during 102nd session of the Interpol Commission from December 24-27, 2017, the organisation opined that at that stage of the proceedings, the issuance of RCN for Naik’s arrest with a view to his extradition was pre-mature, since the charge sheet has not been filed till the sending of the original request for RCN to the Interpol.
“In view of the Interpol opinion, a fresh warrant was issued by the Ld. Court against Naik on November 24, 2017 and a fresh request of RCN was sent on January 3, 2018. No further communication has been received so far from the Interpol,” Ahir said.
The minister said the “Government of India on November 17, 2016, declared Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967”, stating that “IRF and its members, particularly, its founder and President Naik had been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities and groups”.
In November 2016, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case against the televangelist, who is currently living in Malaysia, under the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His Mumbai-based NGO Islamic Research Foundation has been declared an unlawful association.
The preacher came under the lens of security agencies after some terrorists, allegedly involved in the attack on a cafe in Dhaka in July 2016, reportedly claimed they were inspired by his speeches.
On July 4, Naik in a statement said “I have no plans to come to India till I don’t feel safe from unfair prosecution. When I feel that the government will be just and fair, I will surely return to my homeland.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on July 10 that he will not give in easily just because there were demands from India to extradite Naik. “We do not easily follow the demands of others. We must look at all factors before we respond,” the New Straits Times quoted Malaysian as saying.
Mohamad had also said that the cleric would not be handed over to Indian authorities as he had been granted permanent resident status in Malaysia. He had said that Naik would be allowed to stay in Malaysia as long as he did not create any problem.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.