A Delhi court has denied bail to Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of Al-Falah University, in a high-value money laundering case involving alleged fraud of over ₹415 crore. The ruling underscores the gravity of accusations that the institution misled students through false claims of accreditation and recognition while diverting funds through a network of shell entities.
Court flags serious financial misconduct
According to Law Beat, Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan, presiding at the Saket Court, observed that the allegations against Siddiqui were “grave and serious” and that a prima facie case of generating and laundering proceeds of crime had been established. The court noted that funds were allegedly routed through multiple entities linked to Siddiqui’s family and close associates, indicating a structured attempt to conceal financial trails.
The judge also highlighted Siddiqui’s role as managing trustee and chancellor, stating that he had allegedly misused his fiduciary position by turning educational and charitable institutions into vehicles for personal and commercial gain.
Misleading claims and ED probe
The case is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. According to the agency, the university falsely claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council and recognition from the University Grants Commission to attract students.
Authorities allege that these misrepresentations enabled the institution to collect large sums in fees, generating proceeds of crime amounting to approximately ₹415 crore between 2018 and 2025. The ED further claims that these funds were laundered through entities such as Amla Enterprises LLP and Karkun Constructions before being invested in assets in India and abroad.
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Wider probe and legal developments
The investigation originated from FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which accused the university of continuing to advertise expired accreditation and falsely asserting eligibility for financial grants. A forensic audit was later initiated after the institution came under scrutiny during a separate investigation.
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Earlier this year, authorities attached properties worth nearly ₹140 crore linked to the case and filed a chargesheet against Siddiqui. The probe has also expanded to include multiple shell companies allegedly connected to the university’s financial network.
Although Siddiqui was granted interim bail in March on medical grounds related to his wife’s treatment, the court has now refused regular bail, signalling that the case involves substantial evidence and requires deeper examination.
