New Delhi: A Delhi court has placed Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of the Al-Falah group, in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for 13 days as part of a widening probe into alleged financial irregularities involving the Al Falah Charitable Trust.
Siddiqui was taken into custody late Tuesday under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was produced before the court the same night, where Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan granted the ED’s request for custodial interrogation until December 1, issuing the order shortly after midnight.
According to officials, Siddiqui’s arrest follows months of scrutiny, during which the ED examined documents, financial trails, and materials seized during multiple search operations targeting entities connected to the Al-Falah group. The investigation stems from an ECIR registered by the agency in relation to allegations against Al Falah University in Faridabad.
The probe began after the Delhi Police Crime Branch filed two FIRs accusing the university of misrepresenting its credentials. According to the complaints, the institution allegedly claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and suggested recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act—claims that were later refuted. The University Grants Commission (UGC) confirmed that Al Falah University is recognised only as a state private university under Section 2(f) and is not eligible for grants under 12(B).
Investigators say the Al Falah Charitable Trust, established in 1995 with Siddiqui as a founding and managing trustee, acts as the financial backbone of all educational institutions under the Al-Falah umbrella. Despite the group’s rapid expansion over decades, officials allege that its financial base does not support its growth.
As part of the ongoing probe, the ED carried out searches at 25 locations across Delhi, including university buildings and residences of senior functionaries. Officials claim to have uncovered evidence suggesting “large-scale diversion of funds,” with money allegedly routed to businesses operated by Siddiqui’s family members. Contracts for construction and catering were reportedly awarded to firms linked to his wife and children.
During the raid, investigators seized over ₹48 lakh in cash, electronic devices, and a trove of documents. They also identified several shell companies believed to have been used for routing funds, along with suspected violations of other regulatory statutes.
The ED has asserted that materials recovered during searches highlight Siddiqui’s direct role in managing the trust’s finances and decision-making. Officials say they have gathered substantial evidence indicating layering of funds, diversion of money to related entities, and the generation of proceeds of crime.
After what the agency described as “clear establishment of his involvement,” Siddiqui was formally arrested following prescribed procedures. The ED is expected to continue questioning him as it expands its investigation into the trust’s financial operations and related entities.
