New Delhi, Nov. 18 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder of Al Falah University and head of the Al Falah group, into custody on Tuesday. The arrest comes under India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case that links the group to terror‑financing and money‑laundering allegations.
The ED began investigating the Al Falah group after two complain‑at‑faults (FIRs) were filed with the Delhi Police. The police accused the university of falsely claiming NAAC accreditation and of misrepresenting its status under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act. The UGC later clarified that Al Falah University is only a State Private University and has never applied for the UGC’s grant‑eligible Section 12(B).
The investigation revealed that the Al Falah charitable trust, founded in 1995, controls all of the group’s schools, colleges and universities. The trust’s finances appear to be poorly documented. ED officers seized cash of more than 48 lakh rupees, digital devices and paperwork during a search of 19 Delhi sites, including the university, the trust’s head office and the homes of key Al Falah group members.
Key evidence shows that money was funneled from the trust into companies owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children. Construction and catering contracts were awarded to these family entities, bypassing open competition. Multiple shell companies linked to the group were identified, and the ED said the pattern of fund diversion, layering and cash recovery clearly points to money‑laundering.
Lawyers say the arrest was taken under Section 19 of the PMLA, which allows the ED to detain suspects who may obstruct an investigation. Siddiqui has already been produced before a court where he will be asked to remain in ED custody while the inquiry continues.
The ED continues to probe the allegations, eyeing ties to terror financing. The agency said it will keep the public updated as more information becomes available.
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