The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the chairman of Al Falah University, in connection with alleged financial and administrative irregularities. Officials confirmed the arrest on Thursday, saying the action followed complaints filed by the University Grants Commission and recent steps taken by the Enforcement Directorate.
Police said two separate FIRs were registered against Siddiqui on the basis of the UGC’s complaint, accusing him of fraud and other related offences under relevant sections of the law. After his arrest, Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody for further questioning.
A senior police officer said the investigation is focused on suspected financial misconduct and falsification of records. “We are examining documents related to the university’s administration and finances. More details are likely to emerge during interrogation,” the officer said.
Al Falah University has been under scrutiny for some time. The institution drew national attention earlier after it emerged that Dr Umar Nabi, who was involved in the Red Fort blast that killed 12 people, had been employed by the university. Investigators had also found links between the university and two of Nabi’s associates, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid, who were described by agencies as part of a so-called white-collar terror network.
In November last year, the university’s website was taken offline after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council issued a show-cause notice over an alleged false claim about its accreditation status. Following this, the Enforcement Directorate said it would closely examine the university’s financial dealings.
An ED official had earlier said the agency would look into funding sources and monetary transactions connected to the university’s medical and administrative staff. “All financial aspects will be scrutinised as part of the probe,” the official said.
