New Delhi: The government on Wednesday indicated it was contemplating action against controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who was followed by militants who killed 20 persons in Dhaka’s Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1.

It was a “matter of law” and the agencies concerned will take “appropriate action”, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju told reporters here.

“We will give all kind of support, whatsoever, in matters related to terrorism,” he said.

Asked if the government planned to ban the preacher, as some other countries have already done, the minister said: “It’s not wise on part of the minister to make announcements about actions likely to be taken.”

Naik, founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, is banned in the United Kingdom and Canada for his hate speeches aimed against other religions. The 50-year-old Naik is a qualified doctor who left the medical profession to set up the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), which runs the Islamic International School and NGO United Islamic Aid for the poor and destitute.

Sena MP seeks ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant on Wednesday demanded an immediate ban on Islamic preacher and scholar Zakir Naik, who is under scanner after the Dhaka terror strike.

In a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Sawant said the youths who perpetrated the Bangladesh terrorist acts have claimed they were inspired by the teachings of the Mumbai-based Naik. He urged the home ministry to put a ban on Naik’s movements in the country, investigate thoroughly his activities and his affiliated organisations and institutes and their funding. In addition to a ban on him, Sawant sought restrictions on Naik’s private television.

“This is not the first incident that terrorists have named Naik for such inspiration. The boys who joined ISIS from India have also made the same statement,” Sawant informed Singh.