India charges Islamic preacher Zakir Naik with money laundering

Indian authorities have charged Islamic preacher Zakir Naik with money laundering.

The Islamic preacher has been accused of of acquiring $28m worth of criminal assets. These charges have been denied by Naik who says the money was obtained legitimately. On Thursday, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) filed its first charge sheet against Naik before a special court in Mumbai, Times of India reported.

Naik has also been accused of spreading hate speech and inciting terrorism. "Naik's inflammatory speeches and lectures have inspired and incited a number of Muslim youths in India to commit unlawful activities and terrorist acts,"ED told the court.

He preaches on Peace TV, a channel which broadcasts from Dubai. The Islamic preacher has been living in exile in Malaysia since 2017.