New Delhi: Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al-Falah Group, has been taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following extensive raids conducted at multiple locations linked to Al-Falah University. The raids, which targeted approximately 25 premises in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), including the university campus in Faridabad, Haryana, are connected to the ongoing investigation into the November 10 Red Fort blast case.

The ED's action comes after allegations surfaced regarding the involvement of individuals associated with Al-Falah University in a terror module. The university has been under scrutiny following the Red Fort blast, which resulted in fifteen fatalities. Anti-terror agencies are investigating the potential involvement of several doctors linked to the university and based in Kashmir.

According to officials, the searches began early Tuesday morning, around 5:15 AM, with a security cordon provided by police and paramilitary forces. The ED teams targeted premises belonging to the Al-Falah Trust, trustees and promoters of the university, and an office located in Delhi's Okhla area. During the searches, the ED seized ₹48 lakh in cash.

The investigation is based on allegations of financial irregularities, including fraudulent accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and misrepresentation of University Grants Commission (UGC) status. The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate these financial irregularities, as well as the use of shell companies and money laundering activities. According to ED officials, the role of Al-Falah Trust and related entities is under investigation, with a focus on key personnel overseeing the finances and administration of the trust and the university.

The ED's probe has also revealed connections between Al-Falah University and individuals accused in a Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked terror module. Dr. Umar un Nabi, identified as the Red Fort bomber, and others involved in the Faridabad terror module, had links to the university. The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police had previously summoned Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, in connection with alleged fraud and irregularities flagged by the UGC and NAAC. Siddiqui was asked to provide documents related to the accreditation and funding of the Al Falah Charitable Trust.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has already suspended Al-Falah University's membership due to concerns about its "good standing" following allegations that doctors from the university were involved in the November 10 blast. The AIU has instructed the university to remove its name and logo from all platforms.

The ED has taken cognizance of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police in connection with the case. The NIA has arrested two individuals alleged to be close aides of Dr. Umar Nabi. Investigators are also examining at least nine shell companies linked to the Al-Falah Group, all registered at the same address.

Siddiqui is currently in custody under the PMLA, and is expected to be produced before a court for remand. The ED's investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the agency delves deeper into the financial transactions and network of entities associated with Al-Falah University.