Al-Falah University in Faridabad continued admitting students for several years after its University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition expired in 2018, allegedly misleading applicants by displaying outdated accreditation details on its official website and promotional material, Delhi Police officials said on Thursday.
The development emerged during an ongoing investigation against university chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, who was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on January 27 in connection with two FIRs registered on UGC’s complaint. Siddiqui has been booked on charges of cheating and related offences and was sent to 14 days of judicial custody on January 31.
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Police said that despite the lapse of UGC recognition, the institution continued projecting itself as an approved university, prompting students to enrol in various programmes under the belief that their degrees would be valid.
Investigators claim the misleading claims were used to attract admissions into courses including BEd and engineering, even though the institution was no longer authorised to offer recognised qualifications.
Cyber and financial records seized during the probe allegedly show systematic efforts to conceal the expired status while continuing academic operations.
Admissions continued despite expired approval
According to officials, Al-Falah University’s accreditation formally ended in 2018. However, references to UGC recognition reportedly remained on the university’s website and publicity content, creating a false impression of legitimacy.
Security agencies first flagged the institution after three doctors linked to its medical institute surfaced in connection with a November incident near Delhi’s Red Fort. One of the suspects, Umar Nabi, is accused of driving the vehicle used in the blast case. Authorities allege the doctors were part of a larger terror module, bringing the university under wider scrutiny.
ED alleges large-scale financial irregularities
Parallel investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have uncovered what officials describe as a major financial trail linked to the university’s operations.
The ED had earlier arrested Siddiqui in November in a money laundering case. In court filings, the agency alleged that the university generated nearly ₹45 crore in proceeds of crime by inducing students to take admission through false representations.
In January, the ED filed a chargesheet and provisionally attached immovable assets worth approximately ₹139.97 crore linked to the institution.
Probe agencies claim university funds were routed through family-controlled entities, with portions allegedly transferred abroad in favour of Siddiqui’s relatives. Investigators are currently examining bank transactions, academic records and regulatory documents to establish the full scope of the alleged fraud.
Multiple agencies involved
Crime Branch sources said Siddiqui was questioned for four days in police custody over the legal status of academic programmes and the continued admission process after loss of recognition.
Officials added that several financial and administrative records have been seized and are being analysed to determine how long the alleged deception continued and how many students were affected.
Agencies are also probing whether forged documents were used to support accreditation claims and whether regulatory authorities were deliberately misled.
Students left in uncertainty
Authorities believe a significant number of students may now face uncertainty regarding the validity of their degrees. Officials said efforts are underway to assess the impact on enrolled candidates and identify those who may have been misled.
Legal experts say the case highlights growing concerns over private institutions operating in regulatory grey zones while continuing to collect fees from unsuspecting students.
Investigation ongoing
Police and ED officials said the probe remains active, with further arrests and asset seizures not ruled out. Financial flows, institutional governance structures and links to associated entities are being examined in detail.
Siddiqui remains in judicial custody as agencies continue to piece together what they describe as a coordinated scheme involving academic misrepresentation and alleged money laundering.
Authorities said more disclosures are expected as forensic audits progress.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
