Security personnel standing outside the office of Al Falah University in Okhla, New Delhi on November 18, 2025. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
A Delhi court on early Wednesday (Nov 19, 2025) sent Al Falah University founder Jawed Ahmed Siddiqui to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for 13 days.
Mr Siddiqui, who was arrested in a terrorism-related money laundering case on Tuesday (November 18) evening, was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence before midnight. The meeting lasted until one o’clock in the morning
The judge said, “After careful consideration of the submissions made, I am of the view that all the compliances under Section 19 of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) have been met.”
“Considering the seriousness of the offense and the fact that the investigation is in its nascent stage, I consider it appropriate that the accused be remanded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a period of 13 days,” the judge added.
The ED alleged that Al Falah University falsely claimed to be a UGC recognized university and misrepresented its National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation status.
NAAC is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India that evaluates and accredits higher education institutions in the country.
The agency claimed that the university generated ₹415.10 crore in education revenue from the financial year 2018-2025, which saw a “meteoric increase” every year after 2018.
The ED said the university generated a revenue of ₹24.21 crore in 2018–19, which would increase to ₹80.10 crore in 2024–25.
The agency said: “It is a fact that the entire Al-Falah group has seen a meteoric rise since the 1990s and has turned into a major educational institution. However, the financial management of the various entities is inconsistent with the huge amount of assets the group has accumulated.”
Special prosecutor Simon Benjamin, who appeared in court on behalf of the ED, said his investigation found that funds defrauded from people and student fees were used for personal and private purposes.
“Various individuals have admitted that matters related to financial decisions were receiving arrest charges,” he said.
Seeking a 14-day remand, he said the custodial interrogation of the accused (Siddiqui) was necessary to “uncover and quantify” the full extent of the proceeds of crime.
The agency said: “The accused continues to occupy the position of founder and managing trustee and controlling mind of Al-Falah Charitable Trust and has de facto influence over Al-Falah University and its institutions.”
Mr Benjamin said the accused can transfer, pledge and divert funds to related entities or individuals to place assets beyond the reach of enforcement, necessitating his arrest.
Mr Siddiqui was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday (November 18) evening after day-long searches.
During searches at 19 premises of Al Falah Trust and the university, the ED seized around ₹48 crore in cash.
Published – 19 Nov 2025 11:42 IST
