Haryana: Al-Falah University chairman Jawed Ahmed Siddiqui has been placed in 13-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the recent Red Fort blast investigation. The custodial order, issued in the early hours of November 19, 2025, marks a significant step in an inquiry involving allegations of financial misrepresentation, diversion of institutional funds, and suspected terror financing.
Custody Order and Court Proceedings
Siddiqui was arrested late on November 18, 2025, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Following his arrest, he was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence close to midnight. The hearing continued past 1:00 AM, after which the court granted the ED’s request for 13 days of custodial interrogation. The court noted that the mandatory requirements under Section 19 of the PMLA — which governs arrest and procedural compliance — had been satisfied.
The remand was approved on the grounds that investigators required custodial access to trace financial flows and assess the extent of alleged regulatory violations. The arrest forms part of a broader investigation into an alleged terror module linked to the Red Fort blast earlier in November, which resulted in 15 deaths.
According to information placed before the court, the ED alleges that Al-Falah University misrepresented its accreditation status. The agency stated that the university claimed recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and reported a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating that did not match official records. If verified, these actions would constitute violations under the UGC Act, 1956, and regulations governing the recognition and functioning of higher education institutions.
The ED also presented preliminary financial findings showing that the university reported ₹415.10 crore in revenue between FY 2018–19 and FY 2024–25. These amounts were declared as “Receipts from main object” and “Educational revenue.” Investigators suspect that part of these funds may have been diverted for personal benefit or to support unlawful activities. The agency is analysing institutional accounts, bank transactions, and financial filings to track the movement of funds.
Officials are also examining whether any shell entities or external beneficiaries were involved in routing or masking the suspected financial flows. Documents submitted suggest that the investigation will extend beyond the university’s reporting mechanisms and may include scrutiny of associated organisations or individuals.
Regulatory Consequences and Sector-Level Impact
The allegations have drawn attention from regulatory bodies such as the UGC and NAAC. Both agencies are expected to review Al-Falah University’s accreditation claims and compliance record. If findings confirm misrepresentation or procedural violations, the university could face penalties under the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards) Regulations, including possible derecognition.
Legal observers note that the invocation of PMLA in a case involving an educational institution signals heightened enforcement scrutiny. The combination of suspected financial misconduct and alleged links to terror financing introduces a level of seriousness that is uncommon in actions involving universities. The investigation also reflects increased oversight of institutional funding patterns and regulatory declarations.
As of November 19, 2025, no charges have been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. However, the ED’s case remains tied to ongoing inquiries into the terror module believed to be connected to the Red Fort blast. Findings during the 13-day custodial period are expected to determine whether further charges will be invoked. Siddiqui remains in ED custody pending further questioning. Additional hearings will take place upon completion of the remand period, at which point the agency may seek extended custody or judicial remand depending on the progress of the investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed details about other potential suspects or whether additional arrests are likely. The ED is coordinating with other investigative bodies examining the Red Fort incident, which remains under active review. The final outcome will depend on the results of forensic audits, financial tracing, and evidence collected during interrogation.
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