Sat Jan 31 12:35:49 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Al Falah University Chairman Faces Money Laundering Charges Following Red Fort Blast Link

The Story

A Delhi court has scheduled a hearing for February 13, 2026, to consider the Directorate of Enforcement’s (ED) chargesheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui. The chargesheet is related to money laundering allegations, stemming from an investigation that intensified following the November 10, 2025, Red Fort area blast. The ED had previously attached ₹140 crore worth of land and buildings belonging to Al Falah University. The defense has requested more time to review the extensive chargesheet.

Key Points

  • A Delhi court listed the hearing for the ED chargesheet against Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui to February 13, 2026.
  • The ED attached ₹140 crore worth of Al Falah University assets on January 16, 2026, in connection with money laundering.
  • Siddiqui was arrested in November 2025 on money laundering charges related to cheating students.
  • The investigation was triggered by two FIRs alleging false claims of NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition made by Al Falah University.
  • The ED alleges the university generated ₹415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025, with funds diverted for personal use.
  • Al Falah University came under scrutiny after one of its hospital doctors, Umar-un-Nabi, was identified as the suicide bomber in the November 10, 2025, Red Fort blast.
  • Two other doctors associated with the university, Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Shaheen Saeed, were arrested in connection to a ‘white-collar terror’ module.

Key Takeaways

  • The Al Falah Group and its chairman are facing serious legal challenges, involving money laundering and connections to a terror act.
  • The Red Fort blast acted as a major catalyst, escalating scrutiny of the university’s financial activities and personnel.
  • The scale of alleged financial impropriety is significant, with hundreds of crores of rupees potentially misappropriated.
  • The case highlights the potential vulnerabilities of educational institutions to exploitation and the use of educational funds for terror-related activities.

Impact Analysis

The implications of this case are far-reaching and could potentially change the landscape of private education regulation in India. The incident will likely result in:
* Stricter Scrutiny: Increased oversight of private universities and charitable trusts, focusing on financial transparency and accreditation processes.
* Policy Changes: Reforms in the accreditation process to prevent fraudulent claims of recognition and protect students from exploitation.
* Reputational Damage: A significant impact on the reputation of Al Falah University and potentially other institutions facing similar allegations.
* Legal Precedent: This case will likely set a precedent for future investigations involving financial crimes and their potential link to terrorism.

Read More

Related News: