The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman and managing trustee of Al Falah Charitable Trust and Al Falah Group, in connection with a money laundering case. Siddiqui was taken into custody under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The arrest came after coordinated raids at 19 locations across Delhi–NCR, including Al Falah University in Faridabad and the residences of several key individuals. During the searches, the ED seized over Rs 48 lakh in cash, multiple digital devices, and incriminating documents. Al Falah University has been under scrutiny following the busting of a “white-collar” terror module and the November 10 blast near the Red Fort, which claimed 15 lives.
The ED investigation is based on two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police, alleging that Al Falah University falsely claimed NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition under Section 12(B) to mislead students and parents. The UGC has clarified that the university is only listed under Section 2(f) and therefore ineligible for central grants.
The agency has also alleged large-scale generation and diversion of proceeds of crime, including the routing of funds through shell companies and awarding contracts to entities owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children. Siddiqui was produced before a special court, where the ED sought his remand.