Bhopal, Nov 20 (IANS): A day after Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui was remanded to 13-day Enforcement Directorate custody in a terror-financing–linked money laundering case, he has now been booked in a separate ₹2 crore fraud case following an FIR lodged in Bhopal. The action comes amid mounting scrutiny over his alleged links to the recent Delhi blast and suspected financial irregularities.
Officials revealed that Siddiqui had been evading Bhopal Police for years in connection with an earlier fraud case. He and his brother Hamood Siddiqui are accused of running a chit fund scheme in Bhopal between 1997 and 2001, promising to double investors’ money before disappearing in 2001. Multiple FIRs were later registered at Talaiya and Shahjahanabad police stations, including complaints from gas tragedy victims whose money was allegedly siphoned off. While Jawad Siddiqui received anticipatory bail, his brother was acquitted.
The ED, which arrested Siddiqui on Sunday, alleges that he and the Al Falah charitable trust generated ₹415.10 crore in “proceeds of crime” by misleading students and parents through fabricated NAAC accreditation and false claims of UGC recognition. The agency has taken note of Delhi Police FIRs accusing the university of using fake accreditation to secure admissions, and argued in court that Siddiqui exercised full control over admissions, accounts and records, giving him the ability to tamper with evidence.
As the probe continues, Siddiqui will remain in ED custody until December 1. In a related development, the Mhow Cantonment Board has issued a notice to the occupant of Siddiqui’s ancestral home over alleged unauthorised construction on the property.
