Controversial preacher Zakir Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation, ISF, has been banned from receiving foreign funds directly. The decision was taken after a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was carrying out activities contrary to the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA) under which it has to function.<br/><br/>The Home Ministry has also asked RBI to seek prior permission from it before releasing any money to the NGO. <br/><br/>Last month, the Home Ministry had renewed the FCRA licence of IRF despite several ongoing probes against the NGO and its founder Naik including one by the Home Ministry itself.<br/><br/>Taking strong exception to the goof-up, the Home Ministry suspended Joint Secretary G K Dwivedi, who was heading the foreigners division of the ministry looking after the FCRA-related issues, and three other officials.<br/><br/>Naik is accused of radicalising and attracting youths for terror acts.