Fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's presence at the inauguration ceremony of FIFA World Cup in Qatar had triggered an uproar in India, with a BJP leader even calling for the boycott of the sporting event. Media reports had claimed that Naik was officially invited to the event by Qatar administration to deliver lectures on Islam throughout the tournament.
However, news agency ANI on Wednesday claimed that the Middle East nation had not extended an official invitation to the controversial televangelist. “It is learnt that Qatar has told India through diplomatic channels that Naik was not invited,” the ANI report said, without divulging further details.
This comes after Union Minister Hardeep Puri said that India would convey its views on the matter in the 'strongest possible terms' to the authorities concerned.
Naik is wanted in India over allegations of money-laundering and hate speeches. He has been living in exile in Malaysia since 2017, though India is seeking his extradition.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had in May declared Zakir Naik-founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as an unlawful organisation and banned it for five years.
The MHA had also observed that the speeches of Naik were objectionable as he has been allegedly extolling known terrorists.
On Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Savio Rodrigues called for a boycott of FIFA World Cup, saying Naik was instrumental in spreading Islamic radicalism and hate in India.
"Zakir Naik is a wanted man under Indian law. He is charged with money-laundering crimes and hate speeches. He is a terror sympathiser. In fact, he is no less than a terrorist himself. He has openly supported terrorist Osama bin Laden and has been instrumental in spreading Islamic radicalism and hate in India," he said.
