The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has told a court that Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui had “incentives” to flee India, noting that several of his close family members are settled in Gulf countries and that he allegedly received at least ₹415 crore in tainted funds. These funds, the agency said, were generated “dishonestly” from students of educational institutions run by his Trust.
Siddiqui was taken into custody by the ED on Tuesday night after day-long searches on premises linked to the Al Falah University group in Faridabad. The university is a key focus in the ongoing probe into the November 10 Red Fort area blast that killed 15 people and injured several others.
Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah Group, was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan at her residence in Saket, where the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought a 14-day custodial remand. The court granted 13 days of ED custody, till December 1.
The ED informed the court that Al Falah University and its controlling Trust, acting under Siddiqui’s direction, generated proceeds of crime worth ₹415.10 crore by “dishonestly” inducing students and parents to pay money on the basis of false claims of accreditation and recognition.
The agency argued that Siddiqui’s arrest and custodial interrogation were necessary due to a strong apprehension of absconding and non-cooperation. “The accused has significant financial resources and influence and has a history of serious economic offences. His close family members are settled in Gulf countries, giving him incentives to flee India,” the ED submitted.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the scale of funds involved, the ED said Siddiqui may otherwise “abscond, remain unavailable for interrogation, relocate assets, or obstruct the investigation.” The agency further claimed that Siddiqui, as founder and managing trustee, “controlled the mind” of the Al Falah Trust and exercised de facto authority over the university and its institutions.
The ED told the court that custodial interrogation is essential to identify and quantify the full extent of the proceeds of crime, including assets not yet reflected in disclosed income tax returns, and to facilitate timely attachment and confiscation under PMLA.
It also alleged that Siddiqui has significant “command” over staff handling admissions, fee records, accounts, and IT systems, creating a risk of destruction or alteration of evidence. Officials said only a portion of the suspected ₹415.10 crore in tainted funds has been traced so far.
According to the ED, the Al Falah educational group has seen a “meteoric rise” since the 1990s, expanding into a large educational ecosystem, but the financials of its entities do not align with the vast wealth accumulated.
Siddiqui’s counsel argued that he has been falsely implicated. However, the court held that the arrest was compliant with PMLA provisions and justified given the “gravity” of the offence and the early stage of the investigation.
The ED has taken cognisance of two Delhi Police FIRs while initiating its money laundering probe into the Al Falah Group. (Agencies)
