The arrest follows complaints from the University Grants Commission and two FIRs by the Crime Branch; the court lists arguments on the ED chargesheet for 13 February
NEW DELHI – The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of Al-Falah University, in connection with alleged fraud and related irregularities, officials said.
According to the police, the arrest was made after complaints received from the University Grants Commission (UGC). “Two separate FIRs were registered against Siddiqui based on allegations of cheating and misrepresentation,” a Crime Branch officer said on Thursday.
Police said Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted four days of police custody to allow further questioning. “Custodial interrogation is required to verify documents and financial records linked to the case,” an officer added.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a charge sheet against Siddiqui and the Al-Falah Charitable Trust in an alleged money-laundering case. The Saket Court has listed arguments on the ED charge sheet for 13 February. Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan fixed the date after Siddiqui’s counsel sought time to examine documents filed by the agency.
In its submission to the court, the ED said its probe was based on the FIRs registered by the Crime Branch. The agency alleged that the university had claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) by using an expired grade in advertisements.
“The investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is continuing, and assets have been provisionally attached as part of the inquiry,” the ED told the court.
Officials said the ED’s action followed allegations that the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which controls the university and its educational institutions, was involved in financial wrongdoing. “The arrest was made as part of a wider probe into suspected money-laundering linked to the trust,” an agency source said.
The case gained wider attention after central agencies began scrutiny of the university following security investigations in late 2025. Authorities, however, said the present arrest is based on financial and regulatory complaints. “The current proceedings relate to accreditation claims and money matters,” an official clarified.
Supporters of Siddiqui said the matter should be allowed to run its legal course. “He will cooperate with the investigation and place all facts before the court,” a person close to the family said.
The police and the ED maintain that the investigation is ongoing, while Siddiqui’s legal team is set to challenge the allegations during court hearings in the coming days.
