The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is reportedly considering a major action against Al-Falah University in Faridabad. According to sources, the central probe agency may soon attach the university's sprawling campus under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This potential move stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal land acquisition and the generation of proceeds of crime.
The Core of the Allegations and Investigation
The case revolves around accusations that the land on which Al-Falah University stands was acquired illegally. The ED's probe is an offshoot of a First Information Report (FIR) originally registered by the Haryana Police's State Vigilance Bureau. The central agency suspects that the process of acquiring the land involved criminal activity, and the assets derived from it represent proceeds of crime as defined under the PMLA.
Sources indicate that the ED has gathered substantial evidence during its investigation. Based on this evidence, the agency is now preparing to initiate the process of provisional attachment of the university property. This legal step would effectively freeze the asset, preventing its sale or transfer while the case is adjudicated. The estimated value of the campus land involved in the case is reported to be in the range of Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore.
Legal Proceedings and University's Stance
The legal troubles for the university's management are not new. In a related development, a special PMLA court in Panchkula recently took cognizance of a prosecution complaint (equivalent to a chargesheet) filed by the ED. This complaint was filed against several individuals, including Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The court's action marks a formal progression of the legal case, paving the way for a trial.
When approached for comment, a representative from Al-Falah University stated that they had not received any official communication from the Enforcement Directorate regarding the attachment of the campus. The university has previously maintained that all land acquisitions and constructions were done in full compliance with the law.
Implications and Broader Context
If the ED proceeds with the attachment, it would represent a significant escalation in the case. The attachment of an entire educational campus is a serious action that highlights the scale of the alleged financial irregularities under investigation. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act empowers the ED to attach properties believed to be linked to criminal activity, even during the investigation stage, to prevent the accused from disposing of them.
This case is being closely watched in educational and legal circles in Haryana. It underscores the increasing scrutiny of land deals and financial transactions associated with educational institutions. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases involving alleged illegal land holdings by trusts and societies are handled in the future.
The next steps involve the ED potentially issuing a provisional attachment order, which would then require confirmation by the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA. The university or the accused individuals would have the right to challenge this order before the Authority and subsequently in appellate tribunals.
