Delhi–NCR: ED raids 25 sites linked to Al-Falah University as Red Fort Blast probe widens
Delhi – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched raids at 25 locations across Delhi and the National Capital Region on Tuesday. The action targeted premises linked to Al-Falah University and its associated entities. The agency moved quickly after the Centre ordered a forensic audit of all university records in the wake of the November 10 Red Fort blast.
The Haryana-based university entered the spotlight after investigators identified three doctors working there as suspects. Because of this link, the Home Ministry held a high-level meeting last week. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the review, which lasted nearly ninety minutes. After that, officials asked the ED to trace the financial trail of the institution and its linked bodies.
Soon after, the ED teams began their coordinated operation. They focused on alleged financial irregularities, shell entities, and money-laundering routes. Officials revealed that nine shell companies tied to the Al-Falah group are under scrutiny. All nine are registered at the same address, raising immediate red flags. This pattern, investigators said, matches behaviours typically seen in shell-company networks.
Moreover, officials flagged several irregular markers. For example, many companies showed no physical activity at their declared locations. Several entities used one mobile number and one email ID. Many firms did not file EPFO or ESIC records despite reportedly running sizable operations. Investigators also noted overlapping directors, weak KYC trails, negligible salary payments through banks, missing HR records, and near-identical incorporation timelines. Together, these indicators strengthened suspicion of a coordinated setup meant to hide financial movement.
Parallel to this, investigators examined questions around the university’s claims of UGC and NAAC accreditation. Early checks suggested possible inconsistencies. Authorities are now verifying these records with the relevant bodies.
On Wednesday, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police tightened the circle. Officers issued summons to Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, founder and chairman of Al-Falah University. Police asked him to appear with documents related to accreditation and funding linked to the Al-Falah Charitable Trust. This trust runs nine organisations, including the Al-Falah Medical Research Foundation. Two doctors linked to this foundation — Umar Nabi and Muzammil Ganai — have already surfaced as suspects in the blast case.
Meanwhile, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) took its own action. It suspended Al-Falah University’s membership, citing concerns over the institution’s “good standing.” AIU also ordered the university to remove its name and logo from all platforms without delay.
The Red Fort blast killed at least 12 people and injured several more. As the investigation expands, agencies continue to track financial, institutional, and personal links that may connect the suspects to larger networks. Authorities said the operation will intensify as new leads emerge.
