The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday, November 18, conducted extensive searches at more than 25 locations linked to Faridabad-based Al Falah University, its promoters and associated individuals, in connection with the Red Fort area terrorist blast case, according to sources.
The raids began early morning at around 5:15 am, with teams simultaneously inspecting premises connected to the Al Falah group. Sources told CNBC-TV18 that the operation focuses on suspected financial irregularities involving shell companies, accommodation entities and alleged money laundering routes connected to the investigation.
The financial probe is being carried out alongside the ongoing NIA investigation into the Red Fort blast case. So far, the NIA has arrested two individuals described as close aides of “suicide bomber” Dr Umar Nabi.
Al Falah University—located in the Dhouj area of Faridabad district near Delhi—operates as a medical college-cum-hospital. The ED is examining the role of the Al-Falah Trust, related institutions and key personnel involved in finance and administration.
As part of the probe, the agency is scrutinising nine shell companies linked to the group, all reportedly registered at the same address.
Early findings indicate multiple high-risk indicators, including:
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No physical business activity or utility usage at declared addresses
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Same mobile number and email ID used for several companies and bank accounts
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No EPFO/ESIC filings aligned with the claimed scale of operations
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Overlapping directors, signatories and weak KYC documentation
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Minimal salary disbursal through banking channels and lack of proper HR records
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Synchronised incorporation timelines and identical contact details across entities
The ED is expected to continue examining financial trails and potential linkages to purported terror financing as part of its broader investigation into the case.