Senior officials said the ED has attached several movable and immovable assets worth crores of rupees in the case. An official announcement detailing the attachments is expected in the coming days.
Investigators allege that after the establishment of Al-Falah University, fraudulent methods were adopted to secure recognition from multiple institutions by using forged and illegal documents. The agency has collected substantial evidence and recorded statements of several accused persons.
ED arrests Al-Falah group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui
The ED arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al-Falah Group, on November 18, 2025, under Section 19 of the PMLA. The arrest followed detailed scrutiny of evidence gathered during search operations at multiple premises linked to the group in Delhi.
The money laundering probe was initiated following the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Al-Falah University had earlier come under the scanner after the names of several doctors associated with the institution surfaced in the "Lal Qila blast" case and an alleged "white-collar terrorism module". Subsequent investigations indicated links spread across multiple states, pointing to a coordinated conspiracy, officials said.
Allegations of false claims, foreign funding
The ED's probe is based on two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. These FIRs allege that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, made false claims regarding NAAC accreditation, thereby cheating students, parents and other stakeholders.
The university is also accused of falsely claiming recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act. The University Grants Commission (UGC), however, clarified that Al-Falah University is only a State Private University recognised under Section 2(f) of the Act, and that it neither applied for nor is eligible for 12(B) status or related grants.
The Al-Falah Charitable Trust, established in 1995, runs all educational institutions under the group. Investigators said the trust is effectively controlled by Siddiqui, who was its first and managing trustee. Despite rapid expansion since the 1990s, the agency found that the group's growth was not supported by a commensurate financial base.
Searches reveal fund diversion, shell companies
On November 18, the ED carried out searches at 19 locations in Delhi, including the university campus and residences of key individuals. The agency said its investigation revealed generations of substantial proceeds of crime.
According to officials, crores of rupees were diverted from the trust to companies linked to Siddiqui’s family members. Construction and catering contracts were allegedly awarded to firms owned by his wife and children, indicating systematic diversion and layering of funds.
During searches conducted after the registration of the case in 2025, the ED seized over ₹48 lakh in cash, along with digital devices and key documents. Several shell companies were also identified, and violations of multiple other laws were detected.
The agency said documentary and digital evidence establish Siddiqui's effective control over the trust and misuse of funds. Cash recoveries, fund diversion to family-run entities and layered transactions helped investigators trace the alleged money laundering trail.
Based on the material collected, Siddiqui was produced before the competent court after his arrest, and the ED sought his custodial remand.
