Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his NGO, Islamic Research Foundation, should be booked under anti-terror law, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar has told the Narendra Modi government reported. Kumar reportedly said Naik's ideology is divisive, and against the pluralistic, secular and social fabric of the country. He advised the Centre to declare Naik's NGO an unlawful organisation, according to News18, which quoted official documents in its report.

The Centre had sought Kumar's legal opinion in the matter following media reports that Naik's speeches had allegedly radicalised one of the militants responsible for a siege at a Dhaka cafe in June. At least 20 people were killed in the attack. Kumar is believed to have told the government that Naik and his organisation could negatively influence the youth in the country.

PTI confirmed that the Home Ministry had sought legal opinion in the matter. The news agency said the ministry was contemplating initiating strict action against Naik for hate speech. The ministry has been told that Naik was consciously trying to divide religious groups and spread enmity among them.