Zakir Naik declared proclaimed offender, NIA begins attaching controversial Islamic preacher's properties

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Friday declared controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik as a proclaimed offender and directed the Enforcement Directorate to attach his assets. 

On July 21, the NIA court had passed an order to the effect that requirements for publication of proclamation against Zakir Naik have been complied with. 

The process for attachment of Naik's property has been initiated by the NIA, said ANI.

According to NIA, the order declaring Naik - who enjoys a NRI status - a proclaimed offender was issued on July 21 after which the process to attach his assets started under the Criminal Procedure Code's Section 83.

On November 18 last year, the NIA had lodged a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Simultaneously, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), launched by him as an "unlawful association".

Following this, the NIA had raised his offices, a school and a private TV channel offices which were later sealed.

Naik, who left the country early in 2016, is charged with spreading hatred through provocative speeches, terror funding and money-laundering, among others.