New Delhi, March 8, 2026 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to challenge the interim bail granted to Al Falah University group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui by a local court, stating that he could influence the investigation as several aspects of the case are still under probe, officials said.
A court in Delhi on Saturday granted two-week interim bail to the 61-year-old in a money laundering case linked to the alleged generation of illicit funds from fees paid by students of his Al Falah University, located in Faridabad. Investigators have alleged that the institution misrepresented its accreditation and recognition status to students.
Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in November 2025 and has since been lodged in jail under judicial custody. The money laundering case stems from two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police regarding alleged fraud involving students.
Siddiqui had sought interim bail to care for his wife, who is suffering from stage-4 cancer and is scheduled to undergo a chemotherapy session on March 12.
However, ED officials said the agency plans to move the Delhi High Court, arguing that its objections against granting bail were not adequately considered by the local court. The agency also plans to highlight another FIR filed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to the Red Fort area blast that occurred on November 10 last year.
According to the ED’s chargesheet, three doctors associated with Al Falah Medical College — including two who were later arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and another identified as the alleged suicide bomber in the blast — were appointed without proper police verification or scrutiny. Investigators claim these appointments were made at the university allegedly controlled by Siddiqui.
The agency has also argued that Siddiqui possesses substantial financial resources and could potentially tamper with evidence or influence witnesses and other stakeholders connected with the investigation if allowed to remain outside custody.
Officials further stated that Siddiqui’s wife had been undergoing cancer treatment for several years and had appeared before investigators earlier without a caregiver, which they claim indicates she is stable and does not necessarily require his presence.
In its order granting relief, Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan observed that interim bail on medical grounds is a recognised legal provision allowing temporary release to assist close family members, particularly in cases involving a spouse’s serious illness. The court imposed conditions including surrendering his passport and refraining from threatening witnesses or complainants.
The ED has alleged that Al Falah University generated ₹415.10 crore between 2018 and 2025, claiming that funds collected from students were diverted for personal use.
The university had earlier come under scrutiny during a ‘white-collar terror’ probe, in which two doctors linked to it were arrested, while another doctor — Umar-un-Nabi — was identified as the suicide bomber in the Red Fort area blast, an incident that killed 15 people.
