Al Falah Chairman Jawed Siddiqui Sent to 13-Day ED Custody in ₹415 Cr Laundering Case

 


A Delhi court on Wednesday remanded Jawed Ahmed Siddiqui, founder and chairman of the Al Falah Group, to 13 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a significant money laundering probe. The order, issued by Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan, underscores the gravity of the allegations and the necessity for custodial interrogation.

Siddiqui was arrested late on November 18 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following searches across multiple premises linked to the Al Falah Group. The ED claims there is substantial evidence of “deception, misrepresentation, and movement of suspected proceeds of crime.”

Financial Allegations and Misrepresentation

The ED alleges that Al Falah University falsely claimed UGC recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, despite never applying for it and being ineligible for grants. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), the institution is recognized only under Section 2(f) as a state private university—not under the 12(B) provisions.

Moreover, the ED accuses the university of misrepresenting its accreditation status by wrongly stating that it holds NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation—an assertion that, according to regulators, is false.

Massive Revenue and Alleged Diversion of Funds

Financial analysis by the ED suggests that between FY 2018-19 and FY 2024-25, Al Falah institutions collected approximately ₹415.10 crore in educational receipts. The agency contends these funds may constitute the proceeds of crime, obtained through cheating, forgery, and the use of falsified documentation.

During its raids, the ED seized ₹48 lakh in cash, along with digital devices, financial records, and evidence pointing to shell companies. According to prosecutors, contracts for construction and catering were routed to firms linked to Siddiqui’s family, and he exercised “de facto influence” over all major financial decisions at the Al Falah Charitable Trust.

Court’s Rationale

In granting custody, the court recognized that the investigation is still at an early (“nascent”) stage and that complex financial crimes warrant thorough interrogation. The judge also noted a risk of tampering with electronic and financial evidence, influencing witnesses, or dissipating assets if Siddiqui were not kept in custody.

Wider Context

The case against Siddiqui comes amid broader scrutiny of Al Falah University. Two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch allege cheating and forgery relating to its accreditation claims. In addition, NAAC has issued a show-cause notice to the university, stating that it never applied for accreditation despite advertising a grade on its website.

The ED’s investigation also forms part of a larger probe into possible ties between the Al Falah Group and a terror-linked network, further intensifying the stakes.

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