In a significant development in the ongoing Red Fort car blast investigation, the Enforcement Directorate has taken into custody the chairman of Al Falah University. The arrest marks a crucial turn in the high-profile case that has drawn national attention.
Major Operation Leads to Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous searches across multiple locations in Delhi-NCR on Tuesday targeting trustees and promoters of Faridabad-based Al Falah University. The coordinated operation resulted in the apprehension of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, who serves as the chairman of the Al Falah group.
Officials confirmed that Siddiqui was formally arrested under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The legal provision empowers the ED to make arrests when there's sufficient evidence of money laundering activities.
University's Connection to Terror Probe
Al Falah University has been under intense scrutiny as part of the investigation into the Red Fort area car blast case. The educational institution, located in Faridabad, has emerged as a central focus of the probe, with authorities examining potential financial irregularities and funding sources.
Following his arrest, Siddiqui is being produced before a competent court where the ED will seek his remand for further questioning. The agency is expected to present evidence gathered during Tuesday's searches to support their request for custodial interrogation.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The arrest under PMLA provisions indicates the ED has established preliminary evidence of money laundering. The agency typically seeks remand to interrogate suspects about the source of funds, transactions, and potential connections to other individuals or entities involved in the case.
Legal experts note that arrests under PMLA are made when the ED has reason to believe that an individual is guilty of money laundering based on material in their possession. The court will now determine the duration of remand based on the evidence presented and the investigation requirements.
This development comes as security agencies continue to investigate the broader network and financial channels that may be connected to the Red Fort blast case. The ED's involvement suggests the probe has expanded to examine the financial angle of what authorities suspect might be a larger operation.
