New Delhi, Nov 19 : A Delhi court early Wednesday sent Al Falah University founder Jawed Ahmed Siddiqui to 13-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with a terror linked money laundering case.
Siddiqui, arrested late Tuesday evening, was produced close to midnight before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence. The hearing continued until 1 am.
After reviewing the ED’s submission, the judge said all legal requirements under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had been met.
“Considering the gravity of the offence and the nascent stage of investigation, I deem it appropriate to grant ED custody for 13 days,” the court said.
ED Flags ‘Meteoric Rise’ in University’s Finances
According to the ED, Al Falah University misrepresented its UGC recognition and NAAC accreditation status, misleading students and authorities.
The agency said the institution generated ₹415.10 crore in revenue between 2018 and 2025, describing the financial growth as “meteoric.”
Revenue in 2018–19: ₹24.21 crore
Revenue in 2024–25: ₹80.10 crore
The ED alleged that while the group expanded rapidly since the 1990s, its financial records do not justify the “huge accumulation of assets.”
Probe Points to Misuse of Funds
Special Prosecutor Simon Benjamin told the court that money collected from students and the public was diverted for personal and private use.
“Various persons admitted that financial decisions were taken by the accused,” Benjamin said, arguing that Siddiqui’s custodial interrogation is essential to “unearth and quantify the full extent of proceeds of crime.”
The agency added that Siddiqui still wields de facto control over the Al Falah Trust and its institutions, giving him the ability to transfer or reroute funds, potentially obstructing recovery efforts.
Searches Linked to Red Fort Car Blast Case
Siddiqui’s arrest came after day-long ED searches across Delhi-NCR, targeting trustees and promoters associated with the Faridabad-based university—an institution under scrutiny in the Red Fort area car blast case.
During raids at 19 locations, the ED seized ₹48 lakh in cash and various documents linked to the alleged laundering network.