Al Falah Group chairman's house declared 'unauthorized'; faces demolition
What's the story
The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice to the occupants and legal heirs of a residential property belonging to the late Moulana Hammad, father of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah Group. "The notice instructs the current occupant or legal heirs of the property to remove the unauthorized structure within three days," Cantonment Engineer H S Kaloya said. This property is located on survey number 245/1245 in the Mukeri Mohalla area of Mhow.
Legal history
Previous notices and ongoing investigations
Kaloya said, "We have issued a notice to the house of the late Moulana Hammad, who is the father of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui. As per the notice, the department had previously issued multiple communications dating back to 1996 and 1997 under relevant sections of the Cantonments Act, 1924, directing the removal of the unauthorized construction." "However, despite repeated notifications, the construction in question was reportedly not removed."
Investigation focus
Al Falah University under scrutiny in Delhi blast case
Faridabad-based Al Falah University, run by the Al Falah Group, is at the center of investigations into a recent Delhi blast that killed 15 and injured many. The prime accused in the case, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was an assistant professor at the university. Several suspects in the blast are believed to be connected with the university, prompting investigators to probe institutional records and financial transactions.
Custody details
ED custody for Al Falah University's chairman
A Delhi court has sent Siddique to 13 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a money laundering case. The ED's investigation is based on two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch this year. These FIRs allege that the university made fraudulent claims about its accreditation status, misleading students and their parents. The agency claims Siddique diverted over ₹400 crore collected as student fees for personal interests.
Allegations and defense
ED's allegations and Siddique's defense
The ED alleges Al-Falah University violated regulatory norms and harmed students' career prospects by fabricating its accreditation status. The agency claims Siddique could tamper with evidence, as he controls university assets and its multiple departments. It also fears he might abscond due to family members settled in the Gulf. However, Siddique's counsel has claimed these allegations are fabricated, including FIRs lodged against him by Delhi Police.