Financial Scrutiny Widens in Red Fort Blast Investigation; Al-Falah University Under ED Scanner
NEW DELHI/FARIDABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today conducted an extensive search operation at over 25 premises linked to the Al-Falah group across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The raids are part of an intensified investigation into the financial trail associated with the recent car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10.
The central agency is probing suspected financial irregularities, including the alleged use of shell companies, accommodation entities, and money laundering. Key personnel overseeing the finance and administration of the Al-Falah Trust and its related entities have been covered in the operation, sources confirmed.
The ED is currently examining nine suspected shell companies linked to the Al-Falah group, all of which are reportedly registered at the same address. Preliminary findings have flagged multiple risk indicators consistent with shell-company behaviour, such as a lack of physical presence, minimal utility consumption, and overlapping directors/signatories across various firms.
“The role of Al-Falah Trust and related entities is under investigation,” an agency source stated. The action is being taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following cognisance of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police.
The Al Falah University, which falls under the Al-Falah group, has come under intense scrutiny following the arrest of several individuals, including doctors and a former student, in connection with the Red Fort blast case. The prime suspect and alleged bomber, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was associated with the varsity.
In a separate line of inquiry, the ED also noted prima facie discrepancies in the group’s claims regarding regulatory recognition. These include claims related to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), aspects that are now being examined with the concerned authorities. This comes days after the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) suspended the university’s membership and Delhi Police registered two separate FIRs against the institution concerning cheating and forgery related to its accreditation status.
Investigators are examining whether institutional structures were used to facilitate the movement of money or material in connection with what officials have described as a “white-collar” terror network.