Interpol denies NIA request for RCN against Zakir Naik

New Delhi: The Interpol has declined the request of National Investigation Agency (NIA) to issue a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against the fugitive controversial preacher Zakir Naik, a top official of the NIA confirmed on Saturday. 

"The request is denied by the Interpol as the charge sheet was not filed, when the request was made to Interpol for RCN ", the NIA official further clarified. The Interpol has also said in its letter to NIA, mentioning that the stage is not appropriate for the issuance of an RCN against Naik. 

Now, NIA will submit a fresh request to Interpol as the charge sheet has already been filed in the concerned NIA court in Mumbai, he added. The fugitive televangelist and preacher is being probed by two Central agencies of India - the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the NIA, which are exploring all legal options to get him extradited. 

The ED has booked Naik and his accomplishes in money laundering case, while the NIA has charged him with inciting youth to join terrorism and promoting hatred between two communities. Naik fled India in July last year after terrorists attacked a cafe at Dhaka in Bangladesh. Two of the terrorists had claimed that they were motivated by his speeches. (UNI)