Mumbai: Zakir Naik, the controversial Islamic preacher, has cancelled his press conference to be held through Skype on Thursday morning.
“I can officially confirm to you that tomorrow's (Thursday) press conference of Dr Zakir Naik stands cancelled,” Islamic Research Foundation’s (IRF) spokesperson informed late last night.
"It is very difficult to do a press conference. We will announce another conference soon. Naik himself is willing to come and share information with people," the spokesperson added.
This is for the third time that Naik has cancelled his media interaction.
Naik, who is travelling abroad was scheduled to communicate with the media in Mumbai via video-conference, after his IRF managed to get a venue on Wednesday.
Yesterday, the IRF had said that it had been unable to arrange for a venue for Naik to address the media in Mumbai. At least four venues, including three five-star hotels and the World Trade Centre (WTC), had declined permission for conducting his press conference via Skype.
They finally managed to get a permission to hold conference at the Mehfil Hall, in Agripada, south Mumbai, but that too was cancelled. The televangelist, who addresses audiences around the world, is currently on a lecture tour in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Africa.
"We can expect him back in India very soon. Though for now we don't have any date of him (Naik) returning," the spokesperson added.
Naik came under the scanner of the government amid allegations that funds from abroad received by his foundation have been spent on political activities and inspiring people towards radical views.
