New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday launched searches against the Al Falah University of Faridabad and its promoters and linked persons as part of its investigation related to the Red Fort area terrorist blast case, PTI reported, citing sources.
Teams of the federal probe agency have been searching multiple locations in the Delhi-NCR since early morning, sources said.
It is understood that the ED is taking action under the anti-money laundering law following cognisance of the first information reports filed by the NIA and the Delhi Police in the case. The agency is investigating finances and purported terror financing links in the matter.
Sources said the searches began around 5 am, and the trustees of the university are also being raided.
Till now, the NIA has arrested two persons, allegedly close aides of "suicide bomber" Dr Umar Nabi.
The Al Falah varsity is located in the Dhouj area of Faridabad district in Haryana near Delhi, and it is a medical college-cum-hospital.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch summoned Javed Ahmed Siddiqui, Al Falah University chairman and founder, in connection with alleged fraud and irregularities flagged by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). According to sources, Siddiqui has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch carrying records on accreditation and funding of the Al Falah Charitable Trust. The trust runs nine organisations, among them the Al Falah Medical Research Foundation, employer of blast accused Umar Nabi and Muzammil Ganai. The notice was issued under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, which deals with the Commission’s powers and functions.
The Crime Branch has filed two FIRs after the NAAC served notice to the university, stating its accreditation had lapsed and seeking an explanation on why legal action should not follow. Al Falah’s membership in the Association of Indian Universities has been suspended over concerns about its “good standing,” with AIU directing that its name and logo be withdrawn from all platforms.