New Delhi, Feb 5:
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al-Falah University, in connection with a massive fraud and forgery case. The arrest, confirmed on Thursday, follows a formal complaint by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and intensified scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
A Delhi court has granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody to interrogate Siddiqui regarding allegations of systemic financial irregularities and administrative malpractice.
The Allegations: Forgery and False Accreditation
The investigation against Siddiqui and the Al-Falah Charitable Trust centers on claims that the university systematically misled the public. Key allegations include:
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Fake NAAC Accreditation: The university allegedly advertised expired or fabricated National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grades to lure students into admissions.
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Financial Misrepresentation: The ED claims the university generated nearly ₹415 crore in “proceeds of crime” by inducing students to enroll under false pretenses.
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Fund Layering: Investigators allege that institutional funds were diverted to private entities controlled by Siddiqui’s family members, including foreign remittances to his wife and son.
The “White-Collar” Terror Connection
The case took a darker turn following the investigation into the November 10, 2025, Red Fort car blast, which killed 15 people. Security agencies found extensive links between the university and terror modules:
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Suspect Identification: The driver of the explosive-laden car was identified via DNA as Dr. Umar un Nabi, an Assistant Professor at Al-Falah University.
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Module Arrests: Several other staff members, including Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Shaheen Saeed, were previously arrested for their alleged involvement in a module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
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Asset Seizure: The ED has already provisionally attached assets worth approximately ₹140 crore belonging to the university and the trust.
Key Legal Dates:
Red Fort Car Blast (November 10, 2025), ED Charge Sheet Filed (January 16, 2026), Delhi Police Arrest (February 5, 2026) and Next Court Hearing (February 13, 2026).
Current Status
Siddiqui’s counsel has sought time to scrutinize the extensive documents filed alongside the ED’s money-laundering charge sheet. Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan has listed the matter for further consideration on February 13.
The university, located in Faridabad, remains under heavy surveillance as forensic audits of all academic and financial records continue.