FARIDABAD: A professor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad on Saturday assured worried parents that the university “will not shut down,” amid mounting regulatory and financial scrutiny.“The university won’t shut down”, he told reporters. Around 20 parents visited the university campus and submitted a letter to Vice-Chancellor Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, expressing concern over the institution’s future. “The future of hundreds of enrolled students stands at great risk,” the letter stated, citing possible withdrawal of recognition by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and suspension by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).University cites website error in response to NAAC notice Earlier in the day, Al-Falah University responded to a show-cause notice issued by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The university described the display of outdated accreditation on its website as “an oversight” and confirmed that the information has now been removed. Officials expressed regret for the “website-design error.”ED investigation uncovers alleged financial irregularities The reassurance comes amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged financial misconduct at the Al-Falah group, which runs the university, a hospital, and a medical college in Faridabad. According to ED sources, crores of rupees were allegedly siphoned off to family-linked entities, with construction and catering contracts awarded to companies owned by the family of the group’s chairman, Siddiqui. Siddiqui was arrested on Tuesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following searches at 25 premises linked to the group. Investigators reportedly seized over ₹48 lakh in cash, multiple digital devices, and documents suggesting the diversion of funds through shell companies.Allegations of misrepresentation and legal scrutiny Court records indicate that between FY 2018–19 and 2024–25, Al-Falah institutions generated around Rs 415 crore in education-related receipts. The ED alleges that these funds were obtained through cheating, forgery, and the use of fabricated documents while misrepresenting the university’s accreditation and statutory status. The probe is described as “nascent” but serious, with custodial interrogation deemed necessary to trace further proceeds of crime and prevent dissipation of assets.Regulatory background The investigation follows two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, alleging that the university misled students and parents with fraudulent claims about NAAC and UGC accreditation. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has clarified that Al-Falah University is recognised only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University and is ineligible for grants under Section 12(B).
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