Faridabad’s Al Falah University has come under an extensive investigation after several individuals linked to last week’s deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort were found to have past or present associations with the institution.
The blast, preceded by a major explosives recovery in Faridabad, claimed more than 10 lives and has led enforcement agencies to scrutinize both the university and its parent body, the Al Falah Group.
Faculty Under Spotlight After Blast Links
Authorities have discovered that several suspects arrested in connection with the Delhi blast case were affiliated with the university or its medical college.
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Dr Muzammil Shakil, a Kashmir-based doctor, taught at Al Falah and lived in the Faridabad residence where the explosives were recovered.
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Dr Umar Un Nabi, identified as the alleged suicide bomber driving the explosives-laden car near Red Fort, was also linked to the institution.
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Multiple other suspects reportedly share academic or professional ties with the university.
These revelations prompted probe agencies to summon Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah Group, to clarify discrepancies related to the university’s operations and oversight.
ED Arrests University Chairman in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Siddiqui under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The arrest followed searches conducted at premises connected to the Al Falah Group as part of an active Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Officials are examining allegations that the university falsely claimed NAAC accreditation in order to mislead students, parents, and stakeholders. The investigation is based on two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch.
Financial Irregularities and Questionable Transactions
According to the ED, the probe has uncovered evidence indicating:
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The generation of large amounts of proceeds of crime, and
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The diversion of crores of rupees to entities linked to Siddiqui’s family.
A senior ED official told Hindustan Times that the Al-Falah Trust, established in 1995, grew rapidly under Siddiqui, who exercised “complete control” over its operations. However, the trust’s financial records reportedly do not support the scale of its expansion.
Recoveries During Searches
During the searches, the ED seized:
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₹48 lakh in cash,
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multiple digital devices,
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extensive financial documents, and
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records pointing to the diversion of funds running into several crores.
Officials said construction, catering, and service contracts were routinely awarded to firms connected to Siddiqui’s family members. Additionally, several companies receiving trust payments show signs of being shell entities, including:
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identical registered addresses,
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negligible operational activity,
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overlapping directors, and
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common contact details.
Investigators also found no HR or payroll records, minimal salary documentation, and a lack of statutory employee filings such as EPFO and ESIC contributions.
The ED’s investigation into the financial structure, administrative oversight, and external links of Al Falah University remains ongoing.
