Following the Delhi car blast, Enforcement Directorate examines financial transactions, and probes links to research staff; authorities focus on the so-called white-collar terror module
NEW DELHI/FARIDABAD – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched a major operation, raiding 25 locations associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana, as part of a widening investigation following the car blast near Red Fort in Delhi.
Authorities are scrutinising financial transactions, university funds, and possible money-laundering links tied to the institution. “Our teams are examining all financial records and accounts associated with Al-Falah University to uncover any irregularities,” said an ED official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The investigation has reportedly extended to individuals handling the university’s finances and nine companies registered under the same address. “While records show nine companies linked to the university, preliminary checks indicate discrepancies between paperwork and actual operations,” the official added.
The central government has directed a forensic audit of all Al-Falah University bank accounts. Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing is also actively involved in the operation, supporting the ED in evidence collection and verification.
The urgency of the investigation stems from links between the Delhi car blast suspect Dr Umar-un-Nabi and Al-Falah University, where he was engaged in official research work. In the days preceding the blast, Dr Mujammil Shakeel, another university-affiliated doctor, was taken into custody. Authorities claim to have recovered a large quantity of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, from his premises.
Following these arrests, further detentions revealed a new terror module, which authorities have termed the “white-collar module.” “This module represents a new approach to terrorism, blending professional expertise with illicit activities,” said a senior investigating officer.
Al-Falah University, established in 2014 on a 70-acre campus in Faridabad, offers courses in medical sciences, engineering, and humanities. Following the Delhi blast, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) revoked the institution’s membership.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are coordinating across agencies to ensure every aspect of the university’s operations is thoroughly examined,” the ED official said.
Local residents and academic peers have expressed shock at the developments, noting the university’s rapid growth since its inception.
This operation marks one of the most extensive financial and security-related investigations involving a private university in recent times, highlighting authorities’ efforts to clamp down on any potential misuse of academic institutions for criminal or terror-related purposes.
