Al-Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui arrested, sent to 13-day ED custody in terror-funding probe
PTC Web Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday night arrested Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of the Al-Falah group, in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the Al Falah Charitable Trust. He was produced before a city court shortly after midnight and remanded to 13 days’ ED custody till December 1 by Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan.
Siddiqui’s arrest was made under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following what the agency described as an extensive investigation. Officials said the probe included scrutiny of documents and assets seized during recent searches at multiple locations associated with the Al-Falah group.
The ED initiated the case on the basis of two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which accused Al Falah University of fraudulently claiming NAAC accreditation and misleading students and parents for financial gain. The FIRs also alleged that the university falsely asserted recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, despite the UGC confirming that the institution is recognised only under Section 2(f) as a private state university and has never applied for 12(B) status.
Founded in 1995, the Al Falah Charitable Trust oversees several educational institutions under the group, with Siddiqui serving as one of its original trustees and managing trustee. Though the trust has expanded significantly since the 1990s, officials claim its financial growth does not match its rapid institutional expansion.
During Tuesday’s searches at 25 locations in Delhi, including the university campus and residences of key individuals, ED officials reportedly uncovered evidence of large-scale fund diversion. Investigators allege that the trust diverted crores of rupees to family-owned companies through construction and catering contracts awarded to firms linked to Siddiqui’s wife and children.
The agency said it recovered over Rs 48 lakh in cash, multiple electronic devices, documents and identified several shell companies believed to be connected to the group’s financial operations. The ED maintains that the findings demonstrate the generation and layering of proceeds of crime.
With evidence indicating Siddiqui’s active control over trust operations and alleged involvement in financial irregularities, officials said they proceeded with the arrest in accordance with legal procedures.
- With inputs from agencies
