Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have issued a demolition notice for the ancestral home of Al-Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, escalating scrutiny on the institution already facing serious investigations related to terror links and financial irregularities.
The notice was issued on the same day that first-year MBBS students resumed classes at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad, adding to the mounting pressure surrounding the university.
Demolition Notice Issued in Mhow
The MHOW Cantonment Board on Thursday ordered Siddiqui’s family to vacate their ancestral home within three days, after which demolition will begin.
The property—registered in the name of Siddiqui’s father, the late Hamad Ahmed Siddiqui, who served nearly 20 years as the town’s Shahar Qazi—was declared illegal almost three decades ago, officials said.
Cantonment CEO Vikas Kumar Vishnoi stated that the land was held under a British-era residential grant, and the four-storey structure built in 1995–96 violated the Cantonment Act. Authorities had issued three notices between 1996 and 1997 for removal of unauthorised construction. A recent review reconfirmed the building’s illegal status, prompting the latest action.
National Scrutiny Intensifies
The university and its founder are under sharp national focus following the November 10 Red Fort blast, which killed at least 12 people. Investigators have linked the incident to three doctors from Al-Falah University:
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Dr Umar un-Nabi (the alleged suicide bomber)
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Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie
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Dr Shaheen Shahid
Financial Investigation and ED Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Siddiqui after raids at more than 25 locations in Delhi and Faridabad. The agency alleges that the university accumulated ₹415.1 crore in non-donation income that it claims constitutes “proceeds of crime.”
On Wednesday, Siddiqui was remanded to 13 days’ custody.
Police Action in Madhya Pradesh
Indore Police also stepped up operations, arresting Siddiqui’s brother Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui three days ago in connection with five pending cases involving fraud and rioting.
Classes Resume Under Heavy Security in Faridabad
At the Faridabad campus, first-year MBBS students returned to class on Thursday amid tight police security. Many parents travelled from across northern India, expressing deep concern for their children’s safety.
“We panicked last week and called our daughter home immediately… Even now we’re unsure, but withdrawing her would cost her the year,” said Manoj Kumar from Agra.
“The college must rebuild trust. Safety and transparency are all we want,” added Sushil Mehta from Lucknow.
Faculty members and the vice-chancellor held counselling sessions, urging students to stay calm and avoid sharing unverified information. Students have been asked not to interact with outsiders during the ongoing investigations.
Campus Atmosphere Tense for Freshers
For many first-year students, Thursday marked their first true classroom experience after Foundation Week, held just before the Red Fort blast.
A student from Delhi said:
“Everything feels tense now. It’s like we’re constantly being watched.”
Another fresher from Haldwani described the environment as “emotionally exhausting.”
Around 900 students are enrolled in the MBBS programme. While senior classes continued uninterrupted, investigators have been questioning students who interacted with the accused doctors.
“Anyone who attended Dr Umar’s classes had to give statements,” said a senior student.
