Al Falah University chairman Jawad Siddiqui arrested in alleged fraud case

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 05 (STC): Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui has been arrested by Delhi police in a case related to alleged fraud and irregularities, reports a cross section of media quoting officials.
Reports reveal that the arrest follows the complaints filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The police had registered two separate FIRs against Siddiqui in the matter.
Quoting police, the report states that Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody for further investigation.
On Saturday, a Delhi Saket Court listed the hearing of arguments for consideration of the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui to February 13.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed the charge sheet against Siddique and Al Falah Charitable Trust in an alleged money-laundering case on January 16.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan listed the matter for consideration after hearing submissions of counsel for Siddiqui, who sought time for scrutiny of documents filed Alongwith the charge sheet.
According to the agency, the investigation was initiated on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The FIRs alleged that the university had falsely claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The Enforcement Directorate has informed the court that it has provisionally attached assets as part of its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Earlier, the ED told the court that Siddiqui was arrested in connection with alleged money laundering involving the Al Falah Charitable Trust, which controls the university and its affiliated educational institutions. The agency’s action followed the Crime Branch FIRs alleging that the university and its institutions falsely advertised expired NAAC accreditation grades.
The ED has further alleged that claims of regulatory recognition were fabricated to mislead students and parents, thereby inducing admissions and the collection of fees through misrepresentation. The court recorded that the agency’s financial analysis indicated that funds collected during the relevant period appeared to be linked to the alleged misrepresentations, bringing them within the ambit of proceeds of crime under the PMLA.
Searches conducted at multiple locations led to the recovery of cash, digital devices, and financial records. The ED told the court that certain contracts were allegedly diverted to entities linked to the accused’s family, and that senior officials confirmed Siddiqui’s role in approving major financial decisions. The agency also pointed to alleged layering of funds through related entities to obscure the money trail.

(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from agencies)