Delhi Red Fort blast case: ED targets 25 Al Falah University-linked premises in shell company crackdown

Al-Falah University

A widespread financial investigation has been launched into the Al Falah University group, with enforcement teams conducting coordinated searches at 25 locations across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The operation, initiated on Tuesday morning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), follows a high-level government review of the probe into the deadly November 10 car blast at Delhi’s Red Fort.

The Haryana-based university has become a focal point for investigators after three doctors affiliated with the institution were identified as suspects in the explosion that killed at least 13 people and injured several others.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the crackdown was set in motion last week following a meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which reviewed the progress of the blast investigation. The Centre subsequently directed a forensic audit of the university's records, prompting the ED’s scrutiny of its financial trail.

Sources cited by The Indian Express said that the operation is targeting potential financial malfeasance. “Nine shell companies linked to the Al Falah group, all registered at a single address, are under examination… The operation forms part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, use of shell companies, accommodation entities and money laundering,” a source was quoted as saying.

A detailed examination has allegedly revealed multiple red flags consistent with shell-company operations. These include a lack of physical presence at declared business addresses, common contact details across various companies, an absence of statutory filings like EPFO and ESIC, overlapping directors and minimal salary disbursal through banking channels.

In a parallel development, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, the chairman and founder of Al Falah University. He has been asked to present documents concerning the accreditation and funding of the Al Falah Charitable Trust. This trust oversees nine organisations, including the Al Falah Medical Research Foundation, where two of the blast accused, Umar Nabi and Muzammil Ganai, were employed.

Further compounding the institution’s troubles, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended Al Falah University's membership, citing concerns about its “good standing.” The AIU has instructed the university to remove its name and logo from all platforms immediately.

Adding to the scrutiny, sources confirmed that prima facie discrepancies have been noted in the university’s claims regarding recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). These aspects are now being examined with the relevant authorities.