Absconding Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' by a special court, the NIA said in Mumbai on Friday.
Following the court order last week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a the process to attach his assets under the law.
According to NIA, the order declaring Naik - who enjoys a NRI status - a proclaimed offender was issued on July 21 after which the process to attach his assets started under the Criminal Procedure Code's Section 83.
On November 18 last year, the NIA had lodged a criminal case against Naik in Mumbai, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Simultaneously, the Central government had declared the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), launched by him as an "unlawful association".
Following this, the NIA had raided his offices, a school and a private TV channel which were later sealed.
Earlier this year in March, the NIA had issued notice to him to appear before it in a case against him for allegedly promoting enmity between groups on religious and racial grounds.
"Through the notice, Zakir Naik has been asked to join the investigation at NIA headquarters in Mumbai on March 14," an NIA official had told IANS.
Naik has been the founding trustee if the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), IRF Educational Trust and the Islamic Dimensions Trust.
Besides this, Naik is having close connections with Peace TV channel, Harmony Media Private Ltd, Longlast Constructions Pvt Ltd, Right Property Solutions Pvt Ltd, Galaxy Multichannel Network Pvt Ltd, Majestic Perfumes Pvt Ltd and Alpha Lubricants Pvt Ltd.
Naik, who left the country early in 2016, is charged with spreading hatred through provocative speeches, terror funding and money-laundering, among others.