Zakir Naik to address media via Skype tomorrow; Bollywood personalities, lawyers will be present

Naik came under Indian security forces' radar after it emerged that two of the recent Dhaka attack terrorists were inspired by his teachings.

Mumbai: Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is under scanner over his controversial speeches and sermons, may have delayed his return to India and cancelled a planned meet with the press but will nonetheless be speaking to the media.

As per Naik's spokesperson, the Mumbai-based preacher will speak to the press on Thursday (July 14) via Skype.

Interestingly, the spokesperson said, eminent personalities including 'some Bollywood members, lawyers and members of NGOs' will also be present at the press meet and they are also expected to speak, The Times of India reported on Wednesday.

Naik, who is in Medina in Saudi Arabia, came under Indian security forces' radar after it emerged that two of the recent Dhaka attack terrorists were inspired by his teachings.

Already, several security agencies, including at the Centre and in states, are looking into his speeches to assess if they amounted to inciting hate speech and violence against other religions.

His 'Peace TV' has also come under lens and the Indian government has stated its downlinking is illegal. Bangladesh has also banned 'Peace TV' following the terror attack in Dhaka.

The development came amid reports that Naik has delayed his return to India indefinitely.