ED Investigation Reveals Al Falah Founder Used Forged Documents in Delhi Land Acquisitions

Siddiqui was arrested on November 18 following raids against the Al Falah Group.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the Al Falah Group and Trust, discovering that the arrested chairman may have acquired several land parcels in Delhi using forged documents.

Al Falah University, located in Faridabad district of Haryana, is currently under investigation in connection with the November 10 Red Fort area explosion. In this incident, a doctor employed at the university's medical college allegedly detonated himself in a vehicle containing chemical explosives, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.

According to official sources, the federal agency is examining at least five instances where General Power of Attorney (GPA) documents for land acquisitions were allegedly forged at the direction of a Trust connected to Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the arrested chairman of the Al Falah Group.

The ED apprehended Siddiqui on November 18 following raids on Al Falah Group and its affiliated entities in a money laundering investigation. The case involves allegations of defrauding students who enrolled in educational institutions reportedly operating without valid accreditation.

Sources indicate that some GPAs may have been issued in the names of deceased individuals, with investigations still ongoing.

The agency has begun identifying and valuing the group's movable and immovable assets nationwide, as well as funds allegedly transferred abroad. These properties may be attached under anti-money laundering legislation.

The ED has accused Siddiqui of dishonestly generating over Rs 415 crore from students enrolled in institutions operated by his Trust.

The agency claimed that the chairman had incentives to flee India as his close family members are established in Gulf countries.

In its remand petition for Siddiqui, the ED also alleged that he maintained control over staff managing admission registers, fee ledgers, accounts, and IT systems of Al Falah University and other Trust institutions, potentially enabling him to alter or destroy records.

The ED stated that the entire Al Falah educational ecosystem is under Siddiqui's control, and only a portion of the proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 415.10 crore has been identified thus far.

According to the agency, the Al Falah group has experienced meteoric growth since the 1990s, evolving into a substantial educational organization.