After much public outrage, controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has issued a statement on Monday revealing that it would be his “pleasure to cooperate with any official Indian govt investigation agency” but added that he hasn’t yet been contact by “a single official Indian government agency”, reports ANI.
Naik expressed shock over the “media trial” against him over reports saying that some of the terrorists that hacked 22 people to death in a cafe in Dhaka on July 1, were inspired by his speeches.
“Most of clips shown on TV of myself are either out of context, half statements or doctored. So are my statements in print media,” he said.
“I strongly condemn anyone taking my statements out of context and using it for violence of any form,” said Naik who was expected to return to Mumbai from Saudi Arabia on Monday afternoon but is unlikely to return to the country for another two to three weeks as he is planning to visit some African countries for public speeches.
The founder of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) looked to set the record straight by saying, “Would be my pleasure to cooperate with any official Indian govt investigation agency for any info they might require from me,” but went on to add, “So far not a single official Indian government agency has contacted me for any clarification regarding this issue.”
The televangelist reiterated that he does not support terrorism or violence in any form whatsoever and that he has never supported any terrorist organisations.
Naik also said, “If time permits in next few days I will give replies to some of the major allegations on video and give it to the media as well.”
(Feature image source: Twitter)