'White-collar terror module': ED raids Al-Falah headquarters, 24 other sites
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a massive operation at Al-Falah University in Faridabad and its promoters' office in Okhla. The operation is part of the investigation into a "white-collar" terror network linked to the Delhi blast case. The agency is probing possible financial and organizational links between professionals, including doctors, and academic institutions. The ED's operation started early on Tuesday morning and targeted 25 locations across Delhi-NCR. This included Al-Falah University's main campus, a medical college-cum-hospital in Faridabad district.
Operation details
Cases against university
The university has come under scrutiny after three of its doctors were identified as suspects in the Red Fort explosion that killed 14 people. It is also facing two cases after the University Grants Commission and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council raised concerns about its accreditation claims. The university's membership has been suspended by the Association of Indian Universities, which stated that it "does not appear to be in good standing."
Probe focus
Investigation focuses on financial trails, institutional structures
Approximately 2,900 kg of bomb-making material was discovered in rooms rented by Muzammil Shakeel, a doctor affiliated with Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre located outside the university. Another doctor at the medical institution, Dr. Shaheen Saeed, was arrested after assault rifles and other weapons were discovered in her vehicle. A car exploded near the Red Fort just hours after this news broke.
Chancellor's summons
University chairman summoned amid investigation
The prime accused, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who was driving the explosive-laden car, was also a former student of Al-Falah University. On Monday, the police issued two summonses to university chairman Javed Ahmad Siddiqui following a complaint by the University Grants Commission. Investigators believe Siddiqui's statement is critical in addressing irregularities in the university's operations and the activities of people associated with it.
University response
University responds to allegations, reaffirms commitment
Separately, Siddiqui's younger brother, Hamood Ahmad Siddiqui, was arrested in Hyderabad in connection with an old fraud case in Madhya Pradesh In light of these developments, Al-Falah University issued a statement condemning the attack and reaffirming its commitment as a responsible educational institution aligned with national interests. "The university also notes with deep concern that certain online platforms are circulating baseless and misleading stories with the clear intent of maligning the reputation....of the University. We....categorically deny all such....allegations," it said.