A Delhi court on Wednesday ordered Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the chairman and founder of Al Falah University, to remain in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for 13 days. Siddiqui was arrested late Tuesday night after day-long searches at multiple properties linked to the Faridabad-based Al Falah Group, which is under scrutiny in connection with the November 10 Red Fort area blast that killed 15 people and injured several others. He was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence around 1 am. The ED had requested a 14-day remand, but the court granted 13 days, till December 1.
Al Falah University Founder Accused of ₹415 Crore Financial Irregularities
The ED alleged that Siddiqui amassed over ₹415 crore through allegedly dishonest means by misleading students and parents about the university’s accreditation and recognition. The agency stated that these funds were collected via deceptive practices and diverted for Siddiqui’s personal use.
ED Highlights Siddiqui’s Risk of Fleeing Due to Gulf Family Ties
In its remand plea, the ED emphasized Siddiqui’s “significant financial resources and influence” and said that his family’s presence in Gulf countries increased the risk of him fleeing India. “The accused has a history of serious economic offences… Given the gravity of the present allegations and the potential consequences under PMLA, there is reasonable apprehension that if not arrested he may abscond, relocate assets, or obstruct the investigation,” the ED submitted.
Forgery and Fake NAAC, UGC Accreditation Claims by Al Falah University
The ED’s investigation stems from two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, alleging that Al Falah University fabricated NAAC and UGC credentials to attract students. Special public prosecutor Simon Benjamin and advocate Tuhina Mishra, representing the ED, said the university enrolled students and collected fees “at the cost of their trust, future, and legitimate expectations.” According to the agency, the trust gathered over ₹400 crore in fees and other educational receipts through misleading claims.
ED Warns of Siddiqui’s Control Over Staff and Evidence Tampering
The ED argued that Siddiqui exercised control over staff managing admissions, accounts, fee ledgers, and IT systems, giving him the ability to tamper with records. The agency also noted that the full audit of funds across multiple bank accounts is pending, with several benami deposits and off-balance-sheet assets still untraced. “The entire Al Falah educational ecosystem is controlled by him, and only a portion of the ₹415.10 crore proceeds of crime has been identified so far,” the ED stated.
Al Falah Group’s Rapid Rise Under Investigation by ED
The ED highlighted that the Al Falah Group experienced a “meteoric rise” since the 1990s, expanding into a large educational conglomerate despite financial statements that do not align with its accumulated wealth and assets. This rapid growth is now under scrutiny for potential financial irregularities.
Siddiqui’s Defence Calls Allegations Fabricated, Court Grants Custodial Remand
Siddiqui’s lawyer claimed that he had been falsely implicated and that the Delhi Police FIRs were based on fabricated allegations. However, the court observed that the investigation is still in its “nascent stage” and considered the offences grave, justifying the custodial remand.
Ongoing ED Probe into Large-Scale Financial Fraud and Accreditation Scam
Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui will remain in ED custody until December 1, while the agency continues its investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities, forged accreditation claims, and diversion of educational funds connected to Al Falah University.
