In a late-night judicial decision, a Delhi court has placed Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui under 13 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, paving the way for deeper scrutiny into an alleged money-laundering scheme tied to his organization’s operations.
The order came amid an investigation into the Faridabad-headquartered Al Falah School of Medical Science and Research Centre, where three doctors were reportedly implicated in a so-called “white-collar terror module” connected to the November 10 Red Fort car blast. Siddiqui, arrested by the ED on Tuesday after searches at multiple Al Falah sites, appeared before metropolitan magistrate Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence around midnight. The hearing stretched until 1 a.m., culminating in the magistrate’s approval for his detention until December 1.
Citing full adherence to Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)—which governs arrest powers—the magistrate underscored the case’s severity and the probe’s early phase. “After carefully considering the submission made, I am of the considered view that all the compliances under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) have been done. Moreover, considering the gravity of the offence and that the investigation is at a nascent stage, I deem it appropriate that the accused is granted ED custody remand for a period of 13 days,” she stated.
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The ED’s actions followed raids on 25 premises in Delhi and Faridabad, targeting the group’s educational entities over accusations of accreditation fraud and financial misconduct. Investigators allege that under Siddiqui’s direction, the Al Falah University and affiliated trusts misled students, siphoning off approximately ₹415 crore through bogus accreditation claims—a clear violation of anti-money-laundering laws.
The agency emphasized the need for Siddiqui’s interrogation to unravel the full scope of the operation, noting that several of his relatives and key associates occupy influential roles such as trustees, directors, and officials within the group. This custody period is seen as critical for mapping the laundering web and identifying accomplices.
As the probe intensifies, the case highlights ongoing concerns over financial transparency in educational institutions, with the ED aiming to recover defrauded funds and dismantle the network.
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