TEHRAN - In a direct rebuke to Indian authorities, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has ruled out the deportation of controversial televangelist Zakir Naik to India.

Naik, who has permanent residency status in Malaysia, has a case filed against him under anti-terror laws in India for allegedly promoting enmity between different religious groups. Naik runs a popular channel in India called Peace TV, which has run into trouble with moderates who believe it promotes radical version of Islam.

In January, India had made a formal request to Malaysia to deport Naik. India has an extradition treaty with Malaysia, but PM Mahathir turned down the request and said Naik will not be sent back “as long as he is not creating any problem (in Malaysia)”.

Naik is being probed under terror and money laundering charges by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He had left India in July, 2016.

The NIA and Mumbai Police, subsequently, had also carried out searches at ten places in Mumbai including residential premises of some of the office bearers of the foundation run by Naik.

The foundation was earlier put on restricted list by the Home Ministry for receiving funds from abroad.
Naik is also under investigation for issuing alleged hate speeches that inspired a deadly terror attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh in 2016.