The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently apprehended Dr. Umar Un Nabi, the main suspect in a case involving Al-Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana. This arrest was made following a series of raids conducted by the agency at multiple locations, including the university’s premises and its office in Okhla. The investigations were prompted by concerns related to the institution's recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), suggesting potential irregularities.
The ED’s investigations have expanded across 25 sites in the national capital in light of a significant incident involving a car explosion in Delhi, which resulted in multiple fatalities. The agency has identified nine shell companies associated with the university's administrative body, all registered at identical addresses, raising red flags about their legitimacy and operations.
Initial inquiries conducted by the ED uncovered several discrepancies typical of shell companies. These included a lack of substantial office space, minimal utility usage at the registered addresses, and the reproduction of the same contact details across numerous firms. Furthermore, the companies exhibited poor KYC submissions, apparent overlaps in directorial positions, and an absence of mandatory filings such as those with the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The transactions reported were limited, with salaries rarely distributed through formal banking methods and inadequate HR documentation.
Al-Falah University, which transitioned from an engineering college to a recognized university in 2014, is managed by the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, with Jawahar Ahmed Siddiqui serving as its chancellor. Since it began its first medicine program in 2019, the university has introduced 200 MBBS and 50 MD seats. The institution has seen significant growth in its campus size, expanding from 30 acres to over 70 acres through land procurement from local residents. Staff members allege that the university receives annual donations from Arab countries, despite operating as a charitable entity. Annual tuition fees for MBBS courses stand at approximately 16 lakh rupees, while MD program fees range from 2.5 lakh to 30 lakh rupees, depending on the specialization.
Additionally, the investigation is contextualized by a recent tragic event where a powerful explosion near the Lal Quila Metro Station on November 10 resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and left many others injured. Preliminary autopsy reports indicated that victims suffered severe trauma, including broken bones and head injuries, attributed to the blast’s force, which caused extensive internal damage.
As the ED continues to probe the intricacies of the situation at Al-Falah University, the agency raises concerns over financial misconduct and the potential linkages to broader criminal enterprises tied to the alarming car blast incident in the capital.