Who runs Al Falah University, linked to Delhi blast suspects
What's the story
Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana, is under scrutiny after several of its doctors were linked to the recent Delhi Red Fort blast. The university's assistant professor, Dr. Umar Nabi, has been identified as the suspected suicide bomber. Two other faculty members, Dr. Muzzamil Shakeel and Dr. Shaheen Shahid, were also arrested with arms and explosives.
Investigation scope
Investigation expands to include university's role in IED manufacturing
The investigation has now widened to see if laboratories or medical infrastructure at Al Falah University were used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs). So far, police have recovered around 2,900kg of explosive material along with several weapons and communication devices from the suspects. Around six people from the university have been detained, including Shaheen and Shakeel. Another doctor, Nisar-ul-Hassan, who was fired by the Jammu and Kashmir administration for alleged links with terrorist organizations, has gone missing.
Official statement
Al Falah University issues statement rejecting complicity allegations
Al Falah University on Wednesday issued a statement after doctors from the institution were allegedly implicated in the explosion. In its statement, the institution said it "has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in their official capacities." Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bhupinder Kaur Anand expressed sadness over the developments and extended condolences to those affected by the blast. The university confirmed that two doctors were detained but denied any connection with the suspects beyond their official capacities.
Security pledge
Urges for normalcy on campus, condemns 'baseless' stories
The university also reaffirmed its commitment to national security and said it was cooperating with authorities in the investigation. It appealed for normalcy on campus and urged students to continue their education in a peaceful environment. The statement also condemned "baseless and misleading stories" circulated online that seemed aimed at damaging the university's reputation.
Institution details
Brief history of the university and its courses
Established in 1997 as an engineering college, Al Falah University is now a sprawling 70-acre institution. It was granted university status by the Haryana government in 2014 and added MBBS courses in 2019. The university is managed by the Al Falah Charitable Trust, which also runs several initiatives such as Falah Water Aid and Shariqah Public School, and is registered in Jamia Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi.
Trust
Funds from Aran nations
It also runs a small hospital with around 700 beds where doctors provide free care to patients. Currently, approximately 40% of the doctors are from Kashmir. It also draws students from Haryana's Mewat region (Nuh) and Bihar. The university charges about ₹16 lakh per year for MBBS courses. The Times of India reported that although the organization is managed by a charitable trust, donations also come from Arab nations.