New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday dismissed the bail plea of Al-Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui in a money laundering case, with Additional Sessions Judge Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan observing that the allegations against him are “grave and serious in nature” and that no grounds for relief are made out at this stage.The case arises from an Enforcement Directorate probe into the Al-Falah Group, based on FIRs registered by Delhi Police Crime Branch alleging that the university falsely projected NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition to mislead students and parents for unlawful gains.Opposing the bail plea under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the ED, represented by counsels Simon Benjamin, Zoheb Hussein and Kanika Meena, argued that there were “reasons to believe” Siddiqui’s prima facie involvement in money laundering, supported by “tangible and credible evidence”. The agency alleged that fraudulent claims of NAAC accreditation continued to be displayed on the university’s website despite non-renewal, and that forged faculty records were used to secure regulatory approvals, including an Essentiality Certificate from the Haryana govt and permissions from the National Medical Commission.The ED also pointed to other criminal proceedings against Siddiqui, including alleged forgery of sale deeds linked to Tarbia Education Foundation and serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act relating to preparation of explosive materials. The agency submitted that Siddiqui is also an accused in the Red Fort blast case, reflecting a continuing pattern of criminal conduct.The defence, however, termed the prosecution a “gross abuse” of Prevention of Money Laundering Act provisions, contending that legitimate educational activities and fee collections of a charitable trust were being wrongly projected as “proceeds of crime”.The court noted that Siddiqui has been specifically named in multiple predicate offense FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and took into account submissions regarding pending UAPA proceedings in which he is allegedly a main accused. Observing his “central role”, the court recorded that Siddiqui exercised control over the group’s day-to-day affairs, including financial decisions and fund transfers, often through directions issued via WhatsApp groups.From the material placed on record, the court held that it is “prima facie made out that the accused generated proceedings of crime and laundered the same”, adding that he was involved in “fraudulent, manipulative and unfair trade practices” by diverting funds from Al-Falah University. It noted that the alleged proceeds of crime amounted to Rs 493.24 crore.Judge Pradhan further observed that funds from Al-Falah University were routed through Amla Enterprises LLP, Karkun Constructions & Developers and Diyala Construction and Developers Pvt Ltd — entities allegedly controlled by Siddiqui — and invested abroad. “Thus, as managing trustee and chancellor, he abused his fiduciary duties by using charitable and educational institutions as instruments for personal, family and commercial benefit, in violation of statutory obligations,” the court said.The court also noted allegations that Siddiqui siphoned funds from trust accounts into personal accounts and used entities under his control as conduits for diversion and layering of funds, including overseas transfers. Holding that the pattern was consistent with financial fraud and money laundering, the court dismissed the bail plea.
