Interpol rejects India's request for third time of Red Notice to Zakir Naik
Orders deletion of data on Naik from Interpol files; ED deny reports
New Delhi: Interpol for the third time rejected India’s request for a Red Notice (RN) to provisionally arrest Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and questioned the very basis of invoking money laundering and hate speech charges against him in the country.
According to a media report published on Hindustimes.com “The fact that he raised money from his religious teachings and spent it is “irrelevant” and cannot amount to money laundering, Interpol’s adjudicating panel noted in its order, which has been reviewed by HT”.
Dismissing the evidence furnished by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the provisional arrest of Naik for extradition to India, the commission for the control of Interpol’s files noted that asking for donations during speeches and the recording or diffusion of speeches were not in itself a criminal act that could constitute the component of a criminal offence for money laundering.
While NIA claimed that Naik and his associates promoted enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India through public speeches and lectures, the Interpol panel highlighted that promoting religion and religious views could not be per se considered as committing a criminal act and there was no close link between the alleged incitement by Naik and any ensuing act of violence. It ordered the deletion of data on Naik from Interpol files.
Another media report published in The Hindu quoted a senior official of the Enforcement Directorate who denied any such development and added that the agency did not receive any such communication by Interpol.
“We have not received any information in this regard,” said the official, adding that in case there was any such development, the agency would explore further legal options.
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My party will complete 5-year term, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that the Congress government would complete its five-year term, while sidestepping questions on whether he personally would remain in office for the full duration.
Addressing reporters here, he maintained that decisions on the leadership would rest with the party high command and refrained from giving a direct answer on his own tenure.
“Our party will complete five years,” Siddaramaiah said, when asked if he would complete a full term as Chief Minister.
On the issue of leadership, he reiterated that the final call would be taken by the party leadership, saying, “The high command will decide. There’s no point asking the same thing again.”
Indicating his readiness to travel to the national capital if required, he said, “If I am called to Delhi, I will go,” adding that he would seek an appointment with Rahul Gandhi if needed.
The talks on leadership change have intensified in the power corridor of the state where claims were made that Siddaramaiah would make way for his Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
The Chief Minister also underlined that recent by-election victories in Bagalkote and Davanagere South assembly segment reflected public support for the government, stating that this clearly shows that people have appreciated the Congress government and its programmes.
The CM also dismissed the opposition’s claims, alleging they lacked strategy, and said local body elections would be conducted as per rules.
