Fake patients, dummy staff: ED details how Al Falah University misled regulators
The Enforcement Directorate has accused Haryana-based Al Falah University of running a systematic compliance scam involving fabricated patients and faculty listed only on records to mislead medical and education regulators. The agency has attached assets worth Rs 140 crore and filed a chargesheet against chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, alleging forged records, irregular appointments, and misuse of funds under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, while the NIA separately probes terror-linked as
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday said it has provisionally attached land and buildings belonging to Haryana-based Al Falah University, valued at around Rs 140 crore and filed a prosecution complaint against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and his charitable trust.
Regulatory fraud allegations
Siddiqui was arrested in November in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged cheating of students enrolled in institutions run by the Al Falah Charitable Trust. The university came under the scrutiny of security agencies after the November 10 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort area.
According to the ED, the investigation has uncovered a range of alleged irregularities, including the hiring of fake patients to mislead inspection teams and false claims made to accreditation and regulatory bodies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council and the University Grants Commission.
Appointments under scanner
In its prosecution complaint, the agency alleged that appointments of Umar Un Nabi, named as the main accused in the Red Fort blast, and other doctors were initiated and recommended by the university’s human resources head, Dr Jameel Khan and were finally approved by Siddiqui. The claims are based on statements from senior managerial staff, including the vice-chancellor and principal, as well as documentary evidence seized during raids.
The ED clarified that its probe is confined to the alleged generation and use of proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, while the terror-related aspects of the blast are being investigated separately by the National Investigation Agency.
The complaint refers to a statement by Fardeen Beg, an IT department official, who allegedly admitted knowledge of the medical college and hospital admitting "fake patients” during inspections. These patients were allegedly arranged to create an impression of adequate patient occupancy, with the assistance of Asha workers.
Payments, appointments flagged
Investigators further claimed that records and payment details related to these fake patients were maintained by Kamran Alam, the university’s public relations officer, and were vetted and approved by Siddiqui. Cash payments were allegedly made to these patients against vouchers as a routine practice.
The ED also cited the statement of vice-chancellor Bhupinder Kaur Anand, who confirmed that doctors later reported to be involved in terror-related activities, Dr Muzammil, Dr Shaheen and Dr Umar Nabi, were appointed during her tenure. She allegedly told investigators that Siddiqui was the final authority on appointments and that no police verification or background checks were conducted for these candidates.
According to the agency, website content for the university and its medical college was altered by a private vendor on instructions from senior officials, acting on directions from Siddiqui. These changes allegedly involved removing or concealing false claims related to UGC 12B recognition and other regulatory non-compliances following a show-cause notice issued by NAAC on November 12, 2025.
‘On-paper’ faculty exposed
The ED has also flagged widespread irregularities in faculty recruitment. It alleged that several doctors were hired only "on paper” to meet inspection requirements of the National Medical Commission and other authorities. In some declarations submitted to regulators, false designations were allegedly used.
As per the complaint, more than 60 doctors across departments, and even the vice-chancellor, were found to be part of this "on-paper” arrangement. The agency claimed that both the vice-chancellor and the university’s chief financial officer admitted in their statements that these doctors were listed on payrolls solely to satisfy regulatory inspections and did not regularly teach or treat patients.
The ED further alleged that forged employment records were used to obtain an Essentiality Certificate from the Haryana government, which was then submitted to the NMC to secure permission for postgraduate medical courses.