The Delhi Police Crime Branch has taken Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of Al Falah University, into custody in a case centred on alleged fraud, regulatory violations and financial irregularities, following complaints filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the police four days of remand to question him and recover documentary and digital evidence.
According to investigators, two separate FIRs were registered after the UGC flagged suspected falsification of records and misrepresentation linked to the university&rsquo;s statutory recognition. Police officers informed the court that the probe involves scrutiny of administrative decisions, financial flows and compliance documents, with several records yet to be verified.
The case has drawn heightened attention due to the university&rsquo;s alleged links to individuals previously convicted or investigated in terror-related cases. Police sources said Dr Umar Nabi, who was convicted in the 2000 Red Fort blastthat killed 13 people, had been associated with the institution. Investigators are also examining the roles of Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid, described during court proceedings as part of a suspected white-collar terror network, who were reportedly linked to the university.
These disclosures prompted wider regulatory action. In November, the university&rsquo;s website was taken offline after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice over allegedly false claims of accreditation. Authorities are now verifying whether students were admitted and fees collected during periods when accreditation had either lapsed or was inaccurately projected.
Parallel proceedings are underway under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Siddiqui and the Al Falah Charitable Trust, alleging that expired NAAC grades were falsely cited to attract admissions. The agency has submitted before the court that funds collected during this period may constitute proceeds of crime.
Investigators have also told the court that assets have been provisionally attached and that searches at multiple locations resulted in the seizure of cash, digital devices and financial records. The ED has alleged that certain university contracts were diverted to entities linked to Siddiqui&rsquo;s family, and that key financial decisions required his direct approval.
Police officials said Siddiqui&rsquo;s custodial interrogation is crucial to establish the money trail, identify beneficiaries and determine whether statutory violations overlap with national security concerns. The court is scheduled to hear arguments on the ED&rsquo;s chargesheet on February 13, after the defence sought time to examine the documents.

Al Falah University campus with chairman inset

UGC, ED probes deepen as case linked to Delhi blast convict surfaces

Al Falah University Chairman on Police Remand

UGC, ED probes deepen as case linked to Delhi blast convict surfaces

February 5, 2026 | 10:18 IST