AlFalahInvestigation – Delhi Police detain university chairman over fraud and finance probe
AlFalahInvestigation – Delhi Police have taken into custody Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of Al Falah University, in connection with alleged financial misconduct and regulatory violations, officials confirmed. The action follows complaints lodged by the University Grants Commission, which led investigators to register two separate cases against him. Authorities presented Siddiqui before a Delhi court, where the Crime Branch received four days of police custody to question him and gather further details linked to the investigation.
Court Proceedings and Custody Details
The legal proceedings gained momentum after Siddiqui was produced before the court for initial hearings related to the allegations. The court allowed investigators additional time to question him regarding the alleged irregularities. Meanwhile, a separate hearing in Delhi’s Saket Court is scheduled for February 13 to examine arguments linked to a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate. The hearing will focus on reviewing documents and evidence connected to alleged financial violations involving entities linked to the university’s management.
Enforcement Directorate Files Chargesheet
The Enforcement Directorate submitted its chargesheet on January 16, naming Siddiqui and the Al Falah Charitable Trust in a suspected money laundering investigation. The trust manages the university and several associated educational institutions. According to officials, the investigation began after reviewing police complaints suggesting that the university allegedly made misleading claims about its accreditation status. Legal representatives for Siddiqui requested additional time to examine documentation submitted alongside the chargesheet before responding to the allegations.
Allegations of Misleading Accreditation Claims
Investigators claim that the institution promoted accreditation credentials from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council despite the ratings allegedly being outdated or expired. Authorities believe such claims were used to attract students and parents, influencing enrollment decisions. The Enforcement Directorate informed the court that financial records examined during the probe indicated funds collected during this period could be linked to the alleged misrepresentations. Officials stated that such transactions may fall under proceeds of crime as defined by financial laws regulating money laundering activities.
Asset Attachments and Financial Trail Investigation
As part of the inquiry under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the agency has provisionally attached certain assets connected to the case. Investigators also conducted searches across several locations associated with individuals and organizations linked to the university’s operations. During these searches, authorities reportedly recovered cash, electronic storage devices, and financial documentation. Officials further alleged that some contracts were directed toward companies linked to family members of the accused, raising questions about potential conflict of interest and fund diversion.
Role of University Officials and Fund Layering Concerns
Statements gathered from senior administrative officials suggested Siddiqui allegedly played a significant role in approving major financial decisions within the institution and its related organizations. Investigators are examining whether funds were routed through multiple entities to conceal the origin of the money and complicate the financial trail. Authorities believe that analyzing these transactions will help determine whether the alleged irregularities involved systematic planning or isolated administrative lapses.
Links to Ongoing Security Investigations
Separately, investigators examining the November 10, 2025, Red Fort car explosion, which resulted in 15 fatalities, reported potential connections between suspects and individuals linked to Al Falah University and its parent trust. According to officials, forensic evidence identified the driver of the vehicle as Dr. Umar un Nabi, who served as an assistant professor at the institution. Authorities have also arrested other staff members, including Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Shaheen Saeed, for alleged involvement in an organized network suspected of supporting extremist activities.
Investigation Continues Amid Expanding Legal Scrutiny
Law enforcement agencies and financial investigators are continuing their inquiries into both financial irregularities and the alleged links uncovered during related security investigations. Officials stated that the findings from ongoing interrogations, forensic financial analysis, and document examinations will determine the course of future legal proceedings. Authorities have reiterated that the investigation remains active, and further action will depend on evidence gathered during the extended probe.