Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Al Falah University founder and chairperson Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui has been sent to 13 days’ custody under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the agency alleged he amassed over ₹415 crore through fraudulent claims and posed a serious flight risk due to his family’s presence in Gulf countries.
ED Says Siddiqui Cheated Students, Parents With Forged Accreditations
During a late-night hearing, the ED told the court that Siddiqui and the Al Falah charitable trust collected ₹415.10 crore by misleading students with false claims of NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition. The agency said the money was generated through deceptive admissions practices and later diverted for Siddiqui’s personal benefit.
The ED added that two Crime Branch FIRs accused the university of fabricating accreditation certificates to continue enrolling students and collecting fees “at the cost of their trust and future”.
Risk Of Absconding, Evidence Tampering Highlighted
The ED argued Siddiqui had significant influence, financial resources, and control over university staff managing admissions and accounting—giving him the ability to destroy or alter critical records.
They also said only a portion of the proceeds of crime had been traced so far, and multiple bank accounts, benami transactions, and off-balance-sheet assets still needed investigation.
According to the agency, the Al Falah group’s “meteoric rise” since the 1990s is under scrutiny, as its declared finances do not match its extensive assets and educational expansion.
Defence Claims Allegations Fabricated
Siddiqui’s counsel claimed that he was falsely implicated and that the FIRs were based on fabricated allegations. However, the court noted that the probe was at an early stage and the offences alleged were serious, warranting custodial interrogation.
Siddiqui’s arrest follows day-long searches on Tuesday at locations linked to the Al Falah group, which is also under scrutiny in the Red Fort blast investigation.
