ED investigation targets university's financial trail after terror-suspect doctors' link
In a significant development stemming from the November 10 Red Fort car explosion case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a large-scale search operation targeting the Al Falah Group. On Tuesday morning, multiple ED teams began conducting raids across approximately 25 locations situated in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Haryana-based Al Falah University, which is part of the group, came under the scanner after three of its employed doctors were identified as suspects in the deadly blast. The search was triggered just days after the Central Government called for a forensic audit of all records associated with the institution.
Following a crucial, hour-and-a-half-long meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to review the progress of the Red Fort investigation, the ED was specifically instructed last week to examine the university's financial activities.
Focus on Shell Companies and Accreditations
Sources indicate that the operation is concentrated on an ongoing inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct, money laundering, and the use of accommodation entities. Nine shell companies tied to the Al Falah Group are currently under intense scrutiny, particularly as they share a single registration address.
Early assessment of the university's operations has revealed several red flags consistent with the behaviour of shell entities. These include no detectable physical presence or significant utility usage at the official business locations, the use of identical mobile numbers and emails across various accounts, and a lack of required statutory filings (like EPFO/ESIC) despite the reported scale of operations. Additionally, investigators noted shared directors and signatories, weak Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation, minimal salary payments through banking channels, and the absence of Human Resources records.
Chairman Summoned and Membership Suspended
Furthermore, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has summoned Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder and chairman of Al Falah University. This action is linked to alleged fraud and numerous irregularities initially flagged by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Siddiqui has been ordered to present documents concerning the accreditation and financial structure of the Al Falah Charitable Trust. This trust manages nine organisations, including the Al Falah Medical Research Foundation, where two blast accused, Umar Nabi and Muzammil Ganai, worked.
Amid the serious allegations linking university doctors to the bombing, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended the university's membership, citing concerns about its "good standing." The AIU has also directed the institution to immediately remove the organisation's name and logo from all its platforms.
