Islamic Guru Muhammad Niyas Zuhari Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minor

Kerala Police have arrested Muhammad Niyas Zuhari, a popular Islamic preacher and YouTuber. The 34-year-old Zuhari faces serious allegations of repeatedly sexually exploiting a 16-year-old minor girl. The arrest was made on Sunday. Police investigations revealed that the accused committed the act under the guise of spiritual healing. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to rape and criminal intimidation.

According to a report by Aaj Tak, the entire incident began when the victim's grandmother approached Maulana Niyas Zuhari to seek relief from health-related problems. Zuhari convinced the family that the grandmother was under the influence of an evil spirit and required a purification ritual to remove it. Believing this, the girl and her grandmother visited the academy run by Zuhari.

According to investigators, Zuhari misused the family's trust in his alleged spiritual powers. He misled the family to gain access to the minor girl and subsequently sexually exploited her repeatedly. These incidents are said to have occurred at the Habibia Islamic Academy, rented premises, and other various locations. The matter came to light when the victim informed her friends about the atrocities. Police recorded the girl's statement and arrested the accused after examining medical evidence and conversations on the mobile phone.

Police are now investigating whether Zuhari has sexually exploited other minors as well. Investigators are preparing to conduct a thorough examination of the accused's mobile phone and other electronic devices. Additionally, the police are investigating large financial transactions associated with his educational institution located in Kollam district.

It is noteworthy that Muhammad Niyas Zuhari recently came into the spotlight on social media for commenting on the dressing style of Malayalam actress Nazriya Nazim. On October 28, during a promotional event in Dubai, Nazriya wore a yellow off-shoulder dress for her upcoming Tamil film. Zuhari created a reel on Instagram, labeling the actress's attire as 'inappropriate'. Identifying Nazriya as a Muslim actress, he questioned her religious conduct. He also commented on her husband Fahadh Faasil and her association with the film industry.

In his video, Zuhari compared explaining religious matters to people in the film industry to a person who is heavily intoxicated and is advised to recite 'Bismillah' before drinking alcohol. However, he also raised the question of why questions are only raised about the clothing of Muslim actresses, while such discussions regarding the religious duties of male artists are not held. Zuhari, who had gained notoriety for his controversial statements on Nazriya's attire, now faces increased troubles following this POCSO case.

Muhammad Niyas Zuhari is the director of the Habibia Islamic Academy located in Oachira, Kollam district of Kerala. He was known as a popular Islamic preacher and YouTuber.