The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday told the court that there are reasons to believe that Al-Falah group’s Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui could have fled the country, as his close relatives are established in Gulf countries and he is in “receipt” of Rs 415 crore of misappropriated funds generated through the students of institutional colleges of his trust.
Al Falah group chairman sent to 13-day ED custody
A Delhi court remanded Al Falah Group Chairman, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui to 13 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, till December 1, noting in a detailed remand order that there exist reasonable grounds to believe he committed the offence of money laundering linked to large-scale fraud.
ED sought custodial interrogation
The order passed by Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her camp office shortly after midnight records that Siddiqui was arrested late on November 18 following compliance with Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and that ED sought custodial interrogation based on substantial evidence of deception, misrepresentation, and movement of suspected proceeds of crime.
After examining ED’s submissions, the court held that the investigation is at a “nascent stage,” the alleged financial offences are “grave,” and custodial interrogation is essential to trace further proceeds of crime, prevent dissipation of tainted assets, and avoid influence over witnesses or destruction of electronic and financial records.
Siddiqui arrested under Section 19 of PMLA
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Siddiqui under Section 19 of PMLA on November 18, 2025, in connection with alleged money laundering involving the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which controls the University and its educational institutions.
Al-Falah University advertised expired NAAC accreditation grades
The ED action follows two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on November 13, 2025. The FIRs allege that expired NAAC accreditation grades were falsely advertised by Al-Falah University and affiliated institutions.
The University fabricated claims of UGC recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act–despite never applying for it and being ineligible for grants. These claims were allegedly used to mislead students and parents into believing the institution held valid approvals and credibility, thereby attracting admissions and fees through fraudulent inducement.
