Al-Falah University Founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui Arrested by ED in Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, founder and managing trustee of the Al-Falah Group, in a money laundering case tied to alleged financial fraud and false accreditation claims involving the group’s educational institutions. Siddiqui, who has also served as chancellor of Al-Falah University in Faridabad since 2014, was taken into custody under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the agency reviewed material seized during a series of searches earlier in the day.

The arrest marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny surrounding Al-Falah University, which has already been in the spotlight following the discovery of a suspected “white-collar” terror module on its campus. The institution came under heightened security radar after the arrest of professor Muzammil Shakeel, who was allegedly found in possession of explosives, arms and bomb-making equipment. The campus at Dhauj Road has since been linked to one of the largest terror-related investigations in recent years.

At the centre of the probe is the Al-Falah Medical College, spread across a sprawling 72-acre campus. According to investigators, the premises were allegedly used by key suspects — including faculty member Umar Un Nabi, identified by the National Investigation Agency as the suicide bomber behind the deadly Red Fort blast — to plan logistics for transporting ammonium nitrate for coordinated explosions across the National Capital Region. The Hyundai i20 that later detonated near the Red Fort was reportedly parked inside the medical college for nearly three weeks.

While the terror investigation intensified, the ED’s probe developed from two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. These FIRs accused Al-Falah University of fraudulently claiming accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and misrepresenting its status under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, potentially misleading students, parents and regulatory bodies. The UGC has made it clear that Al-Falah is recognised solely under Section 2(f) as a state private university, and has never been eligible for central grants.

During Tuesday’s raids at 19 locations across the National Capital Region, including the residences of senior management and university premises, ED officials claimed to have uncovered extensive evidence of fund diversion. According to the agency, proceeds of crime worth several crores were routed to companies owned by Siddiqui’s family members, with construction and catering contracts allegedly awarded to firms linked to his wife and children. The ED seized ₹48 lakh in cash, digital devices, documents, and identified multiple shell companies that investigators believe played a role in laundering the diverted funds.

Officials stated that the evidence of layering, fund diversion and cash recovery established Siddiqui’s involvement, prompting his arrest. He was produced before a court for custodial remand as further investigation continues.

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