Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui following UGC complaints. Two FIRs were registered, and a Delhi court granted four days of police remand.
The entrance of Al Falah University, whose chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui has been arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch following complaints filed by the UGC. | File Photo: IANS
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in a case involving alleged financial and administrative irregularities, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The arrest comes amid parallel investigations by the Enforcement Directorate, following complaints filed by the University Grants Commission.
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Police confirmed that Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody for questioning and evidence collection.
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The Crime Branch registered two FIRs after the UGC flagged suspected violations linked to the university’s regulatory claims and administration.
The ED has filed a chargesheet against Siddiqui and the Al Falah Charitable Trust under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the agency, the case is rooted in allegations that the university falsely claimed NAAC accreditation even after its grades had expired.
Investigators have told the court that regulatory recognition was allegedly fabricated to mislead students and parents, inducing admissions and the collection of fees through misrepresentation. The agency said its financial analysis indicated that funds collected during this period could qualify as proceeds of crime under the PMLA.
The ED has also informed the court that it has provisionally attached assets as part of the probe. Searches at multiple locations reportedly led to the recovery of cash, digital devices and financial records. The agency has alleged that certain contracts were diverted to entities linked to Siddiqui’s family and that senior officials confirmed his role in approving major financial decisions.
On February 13, a Delhi court is scheduled to hear arguments on the ED’s chargesheet after the defence sought time to examine the documents filed with it.
The university has faced national scrutiny in recent years. In November last year, its website was taken offline after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council issued a show-cause notice over alleged false claims related to accreditation status.
Separately, investigations into the November 10, 2025, Red Fort car blast, which killed 15 people, revealed links to the institution and its parent trust. The driver of the explosive-laden vehicle was identified through DNA as Dr Umar un Nabi, an assistant professor at the university. Investigators later arrested other staff members for alleged roles in what agencies described as a “white-collar” terror module.
Officials have said further details in the financial and administrative probe are likely to emerge as questioning continues.
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