Following an explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah University. The arrest was made in connection with two first information reports registered on the basis of complaints filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Authorities are examining the university’s administrative records, while a separate investigation has been initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
According to police officials, complaints had been received alleging irregularities and fraud in the functioning of Al Falah University. Based on these complaints, the Crime Branch registered cases and, during the course of the investigation, identified grounds for taking Siddiqui into custody.
An official stated that Siddiqui was produced before a local court, which remanded him to four days of police custody for further questioning. Investigators are scrutinising the university’s administrative and financial records as part of the ongoing probe.
The case took a further turn after the Enforcement Directorate began its own investigation. Officials said the ED found indications of irregularities in financial transactions linked to the university, prompting closer examination of its funding, expenditure and certain transactions.
During the investigation, links emerged to individuals connected with the Red Fort blast case. Reports indicated that Dr Umar Nabi, who was convicted in the 2000 Red Fort blast case, was found to have an association with Al Falah University. Thirteen people were killed in the explosion.
Investigators have also identified the names of Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid. Officials claimed that both individuals were linked to an alleged white-collar terror network and had associations with the university. Agencies are examining the process under which such individuals were appointed and the level at which lapses may have occurred.
In November, Al Falah University had received a show-cause notice from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) over alleged false claims related to accreditation. Following the notice, the university’s official website was taken offline.
After the NAAC notice, the ED planned a detailed examination of the university’s financial records, with particular focus on medical staff and related transactions. Officials said the investigation remains at an early stage and further details may emerge as records are analysed and questioning continues.
