The recent Delhi Red Fort car blast, which claimed over ten lives, has cast a long shadow over Haryana-based Al Falah University, placing the institution under intense scrutiny for both security and financial concerns. Investigations have revealed that several individuals associated with the deadly incident, including doctors implicated in the blast case, have connections with the university, prompting agencies to examine its operations closely.

The university came into the spotlight after a massive cache of explosives was seized from a rented house in Dauj village, Faridabad, belonging to Dr Muzammil Shakil, a Kashmir-based doctor and faculty member of Al Falah University. Dr Umar Un Nabi, identified as the suicide bomber behind the explosives-laden Hyundai i20 that detonated near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, has also been linked to the institution. Several other doctors and individuals associated with Al Falah are currently in custody, raising questions about the broader network operating through the university.

Investigators have been probing the activities of the university’s leadership, summoning chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui to clarify inconsistencies regarding the institution’s administration and its affiliated personnel. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its inquiry into the group, eventually arresting Siddiqui on Tuesday in a money laundering case, adding a financial dimension to the ongoing security concerns.

Allegations of Fraudulent Accreditation

Al Falah University is now facing allegations of making fraudulent and misleading claims regarding its National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation, purportedly to attract students, parents, and other stakeholders for improper financial gains. According to official sources, the ED initiated its investigation based on two FIRs registered by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, focusing on claims that the university misrepresented its accreditation status.

Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, Siddiqui was taken into custody after searches and analysis revealed substantial evidence of financial mismanagement. An ED spokesperson stated that the investigation uncovered “large amounts of proceeds of crime” and that crores of rupees appear to have been diverted from the trust to family-owned entities.

A senior ED official described the chairman as a key figure in Al Falah’s growth since the trust’s inception in 1995, exercising “complete control” over the network. Despite the rapid expansion of the institution, the financial statements did not support such growth, with family-linked firms appearing to play a central role in questionable transactions.

Seizures and Findings

During the ED raid, authorities seized approximately ₹48 lakh in cash, along with digital devices, financial records, and documents pointing to the alleged diversion of trust funds into personal or family-owned entities. Sources indicated that construction, catering, and service contracts were routinely awarded to companies owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children. Many of the entities receiving payments from the trust displayed characteristics typical of shell companies, with minimal or no operational activity.

Investigators have noted several irregularities among these linked firms, including:

• All nine companies under scrutiny are registered at the same address.
• Negligible utility usage and no physical operations.
• Shared email IDs and phone numbers among supposedly separate firms.
• Overlapping directors across multiple entities, suggesting consolidation rather than independent operations.

Additionally, salary disbursements appeared minimal and unsupported, with no human resources or payroll records maintained. Statutory filings such as EPFO and ESIC contributions were either missing or incomplete, indicating further non-compliance with regulatory norms.

Broader Implications

The simultaneous links of the university’s faculty to a deadly terror incident and the chairman to financial irregularities have raised concerns about oversight in private educational institutions. Law enforcement officials are investigating whether the university’s infrastructure, personnel, or resources could have facilitated criminal activities.

Dr Muzammil Shakil, whose Faridabad residence was used for storing explosives, is a focal point in this ongoing probe, alongside Dr Umar Un Nabi, the alleged suicide bomber. These connections have compelled investigators to scrutinize the university’s recruitment, monitoring, and internal governance mechanisms. The arrests and ongoing questioning aim to determine whether these faculty members acted independently or as part of a larger, coordinated terror module.

The ED’s financial investigation runs parallel to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell inquiries into the Red Fort blast, suggesting a convergence of counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering operations. This dual scrutiny reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating both the security threat and the potential misuse of institutional finances.

Chairman Under Custody

Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui’s arrest marks a significant escalation in the investigation. Siddiqui, as chairman, exercised extensive control over the trust and the university’s expansion. ED officials allege that the growth of Al Falah University, including construction of new facilities and establishment of affiliated colleges, was financially supported through diverted funds. The nexus between educational governance and financial irregularities is now under close examination.

Investigators have indicated that Siddiqui may face multiple charges, including money laundering, diversion of trust funds, and facilitating fraudulent claims regarding the institution’s accreditation. The ED is meticulously analyzing digital devices, financial documents, and transaction records seized during the raid to trace the flow of funds and identify beneficiaries of the alleged irregularities.

Impact on Students and Stakeholders

The investigation has caused concern among students, parents, and stakeholders of Al Falah University. Misleading claims of NAAC accreditation could have influenced student admissions and fee structures, potentially impacting thousands who trusted the university’s credibility. Authorities are reportedly working to ensure that ongoing educational programs are not disrupted while safeguarding students’ interests and evaluating the legitimacy of their degrees and certificates.

The case also underscores the broader need for regulatory oversight of private educational institutions, particularly in matters of financial transparency and accreditation claims. Experts suggest that while universities contribute significantly to higher education, unchecked administrative practices can create vulnerabilities exploited for personal or criminal gain.

Continuing Investigation

The ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on the full extent of financial irregularities and possible links between the university’s personnel and the terror module. The intersection of terrorism investigations and financial compliance probes makes this case particularly complex. Authorities are also coordinating with other central and state agencies to ensure that all aspects, from explosives procurement to fund diversion, are thoroughly examined.

As Al Falah University faces both legal and reputational challenges, the scrutiny on its chairman, faculty, and operational practices is expected to continue. The outcomes of the ED investigation, alongside ongoing NIA and police inquiries, will likely shape not only the fate of the university but also set precedents for accountability in private educational institutions in India.

In conclusion, the Al Falah University case represents a rare convergence of criminal, security, and financial oversight issues. With faculty members implicated in a deadly terror attack and the chairman under arrest for alleged money laundering, the incident highlights the urgent need for vigilance, transparency, and strict adherence to legal and ethical norms in the educational sector. The ongoing investigations will determine the extent of institutional accountability and the potential reforms required to prevent similar occurrences in the future.