The central government on Tuesday banned controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for five years with immediate effect.

The ban on IRF has been enforced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and approved at a union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Declaration of the IRF as "unlawful" under Section 3 of the UAPA will force closure of its offices and interests across the country.

Sources in the Home Ministry told IANS that the government has a strong case against the IRF.

The move comes after the government found the Islamic preacher to be involved in utilising funds meant for his NGOs for radicalisation of youths, they said.

Some other organisations, being run by Naik, have also been under the government scanner, the sources added.