Mumbai: Controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who was supposed to reach India today from Saudi Arabia, has reportedly postponed his return.

This is now being looked at as a way to keep investigating agencies at bay.

Dr Naik ran into trouble after it came to light that Dhaka attackers were inspired by the provocative speeches by the scholar. After the incident, Indian investigating agencies have brought Dr Naik under the scanner.

Times Now channel reported that Naik, who was to arrive in Mumbai today from Saudi Arabia, has postponed his return amid probes by multiple agencies into his controversial activities.

Consequently, a press conference which Naik was due to address in Mumbai tomorrow also stands cancelled. It was being reported that Naik will be summoned by the Mumbai Police as well as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) upon his return to India. The focus of probes by multiple agencies is Naik’s speeches and videos in which he is alleged to have advocated Muslims to take up terrorism.

The Mumbai-based preacher has, however, denied asking Muslims to resort to terrorism, saying no innocent person should be killed.