Al-Falah University director Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui is facing increased scrutiny due to a confluence of factors, including a recent terror investigation and questions surrounding the university's accreditation and financial practices. The situation intensified following the November 10 Red Fort blast in Delhi, which claimed a dozen lives.
One of the primary reasons for the heightened scrutiny is the connection between the Delhi Red Fort blast and Al-Falah University. Following the blast, authorities arrested Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, both associated with Al-Falah University, in connection with the incident. Another suspect, Dr. Umar Nabi, who died in the explosion, also had ties to the university. These connections have led to investigations into the university's operations and governance.
Adding to Siddiqui's troubles, Al-Falah University is under investigation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for allegedly misrepresenting its accreditation status on its website. NAAC issued a show cause notice to the university after discovering that it had falsely claimed its constituent colleges were "Graded A by NAAC," despite their accreditations having expired years ago. NAAC has directed Al-Falah to remove all references to accreditation and respond within seven days, further warning that it might recommend the withdrawal of recognition of the university and its programs.
Furthermore, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended Al-Falah University's membership, stating that the institution no longer meets the "good standing" requirement mandated under its bye-laws. The AIU's decision was influenced by recent media reports, including those related to the Delhi blast investigation, which raised concerns about the university's reputation and operations. The AIU has instructed Al-Falah University to cease using its name and logo in any form and to remove the AIU logo from its official website.
Siddiqui's past is also under examination. Reports indicate that he was allegedly involved in financial fraud and spent time in Tihar Jail two decades ago. He and his brother purportedly launched Al-Falah Investments in the late 1990s, promising high returns to investors. However, the venture faced multiple fraud allegations, leading to an FIR and investigations by the Economic Offences Wing. Siddiqui and his brother were arrested and jailed for over three years before being released on bail and later acquitted after refunding investors. Moreover, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui is reportedly on the board of nine companies connected through the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which oversees the university's operations. These firms span various sectors, including education, software, financial services, and energy.
The current scrutiny poses significant challenges for Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui and Al-Falah University. The investigations into the Red Fort blast, the NAAC notice, and the AIU suspension have damaged the university's reputation and raised concerns about its future. The institution's founder is now under intense pressure as authorities investigate potential connections between the university and the blast, as well as possible administrative lapses. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences for Siddiqui and Al-Falah University.
