ED may attach Al Falah University campus under anti-money laundering law

Overview The Al-Falah University campus in Faridabad, Haryana, is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following the Red Fort area blast. The ED suspects that funds used for the construction of the university may have been sourced from the proceeds of crime, triggering an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) . Key Developments Investigation Details Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui , chairman of the Al-Falah Group , was arrested by the ED in November 2025 on money laundering charges. The charges are linked to alleged cheating of students at educational institutions run by the Al-Falah Trust . The ED claims the educational institutes lacked the necessary accreditation for teaching. Financial Irregularities A portion of the illicit funds, identified as "proceeds of crime" under the PMLA , is suspected to have been invested in the construction of the university buildings in the Dhauj area of Faridabad. The ED is currently identifying and valuing movable and immovable assets of the Al-Falah Trust . Once the investigation concludes, the ED may issue an order to provisionally attach assets derived from the proceeds of crime. Impact on Students Students of the university may be allowed to continue their studies uninterrupted, even after the attachment of assets, to ensure their academic progress is not affected. A government-appointed receiver may be assigned to administer the Al-Falah University campus after the provisional attachment becomes final. Allegations and Claims The ED alleges that the university and its controlling trust, under Mr. Siddiqui's direction, generated at least ₹415.10 crore by deceiving students and parents with false accreditation and recognition claims. The agency is also investigating instances of forged documents related to the General Power of Attorney (GPA) for acquiring land parcels in Delhi. Mr. Siddiqui's lawyer claims that his client has been falsely implicated and that the Delhi Police FIRs are fabricated. Terror Link The university's role emerged during the probe into a "white-collar" terror module. Umar-un-Nabi , a doctor at the Al Falah medical college, detonated an explosive-laden car outside the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10, 2025 , resulting in 15 fatalities. Accusations of Misrepresentation The ED alleges that Al-Falah University falsely claimed recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and misrepresented its National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation status. The NAAC is an autonomous body funded by the UGC that assesses and accredits higher education institutions in India. UPSC Relevance This case is relevant to GS2 (Governance) and GS3 (Economy) , particularly concerning money laundering, regulatory oversight of educational institutions, and the intersection of economic offenses with national security. The involvement of educational institutions in financial irregularities and potential terror links raises serious questions about governance and accountability. Important Facts Al-Falah University is located in Faridabad, Haryana. Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui , chairman of Al-Falah Group , was arrested in November 2025 . The alleged amount generated through false claims is ₹415.10 crore . The Red Fort blast occurred on November 10, 2025 . The Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on November 14 .

ED may attach Al Falah University campus under anti-money laundering law

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ED may attach Al Falah University campus under anti-money laundering law

ED may attach Al Falah University campus under anti-money laundering law

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