ED Raids 25 Locations in Probe Into Al-Falah University’s Alleged Terror Funding Links

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out extensive searches across at least 25 locations in Delhi-NCR as part of its investigation into the funding of Haryana’s Al-Falah University. The probe is directly linked to the Faridabad terror module and the November 10 car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort.

According to officials, the searches were conducted at premises connected to the University’s trustees and individuals associated with its operations. As part of the inquiry, the agency is examining nine shell companies linked to the Al-Falah group, all registered under a single address. Preliminary findings have revealed multiple red flags typically associated with shell-company activity — including the absence of physical business presence, negligible utility usage, common mobile numbers and email IDs across multiple entities, and irregular or missing EPFO/ESIC filings inconsistent with the claimed scale of operations.

Investigators have also identified overlapping directors and signatories, weak KYC compliance, minimal salary transfers through formal banking channels, and a lack of HR documentation. Several of the companies exhibit synchronised incorporation patterns and shared contact coordinates, raising further suspicion. Additionally, discrepancies have surfaced regarding the University’s claims of UGC and NAAC accreditation, prompting closer scrutiny.

The ED’s financial probe has gained significance as several suspects arrested in connection with the high-intensity November 10 blast—which claimed 13 lives and left several injured—are believed to have had ties with the University. Notably, the prime accused, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was a former student of Al-Falah University. Some medical professionals associated with the institution have also been detained.

On November 13, a show-cause notice was issued to the University, now viewed as a focal point in the unfolding terror investigation. Authorities confirmed that the University currently holds no NAAC accreditation and has not applied for it. Its official website has also been taken offline.

Investigators are now expected to trace the flow of funds through the University and examine any suspicious financial transactions connected to individuals already under the scanner. Multiple central and state agencies are coordinating with the ED to determine whether the institution or its associated entities served as conduits for financing the planning or execution of the deadly attack.

While the University has publicly condemned the blast and expressed solidarity with the nation, Delhi Police have since issued two summons to the University’s chancellor. The summons follow the registration of two cases against the institution for alleged forgery and cheating. Officials maintaining the investigation have stated that the chairman’s testimony is crucial in addressing inconsistencies surrounding the University’s internal functioning and the activities of key individuals linked to it.