The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out raids at 25 locations linked to Al-Falah University across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The agency stated that the action is part of the investigation into the Red Fort car blast case, in which some doctors associated with the university have also been named.
Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, founder of the Al-Falah Group and president of the university, has been arrested by the ED on charges of money laundering. During his custody, the agency seized financial documents, digital devices, and approximately ₹48 lakh in cash.
The ED alleges that the university and its associated trust transferred ₹415 crore collected from students between 2018-19 and 2024-25 into family-owned companies. Contracts and other resources were also reportedly routed through shell companies to be owned by the family.
Investigations by educational regulatory bodies revealed that the university had falsely presented claims of accreditation from NAAC and UGC. The UGC clarified that the university falls under Section 2(f) only and was never eligible for 12(B) recognition. NAAC has also issued a show-cause notice to the university.
According to the ED’s preliminary investigation, the funds are considered “illegally obtained,” and the agency is attempting to determine whether any portion of the money reached individuals linked to terrorism. Two university doctors — Dr. Umar Nabi and Dr. Muzammil Ganai — are reportedly under scrutiny as part of this investigation.
Following the raids, students and staff at Al-Falah University have expressed concern and unease. The university has denied the allegations circulating on social media and in the press, asserting that there are no hazardous chemicals on campus and that all laboratory activities are conducted according to regulations.
This action has raised serious questions about the university’s credibility and academic reputation. The future course of the case will depend on further ED interrogation, court proceedings, and financial audits.
