The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth approximately ₹140 crore belonging to Al-Falah University, taking a major step in its ongoing investigation into alleged financial fraud and terror-funding links associated with the institution’s trust. The agency has also filed a chargesheet against the chairman of the university trust.
According to the ED, the attached properties have been classified as “Proceeds of Crime” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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Links traced to Red Fort blast investigation
Investigating agencies said the ED’s action follows evidence that emerged during the probe into the November 10, 2025 suicide bombing at Delhi’s Red Fort. During the investigation, authorities allegedly found that the university trust was not only involved in financial misconduct but was also used as an operational and financial hub for a suspected white-collar terror module.
The ED’s chargesheet claims that several accounts and properties linked to the trust were used for financing extremist and unlawful activities, prompting the attachment of these assets.
Properties attached
Sources said the attached assets include land parcels, academic buildings, institutional infrastructure and bank accounts associated with the university. The ED stated that these properties were acquired through illicit transactions and suspicious funding channels, which violated Indian financial and security regulations.
Allegations of financial fraud
The ED’s investigation has also flagged serious financial irregularities within the trust, including transactions made in the name of education and charitable work. The chargesheet outlines how funds raised through the university were allegedly diverted for unlawful purposes and laundered through shell entities and front companies.
The agency said it has identified multiple benami properties, forged financial records and complex money-laundering trails.
Chairman named as key accused
The ED has identified the trust chairman as the primary accused in the case, alleging that the misuse of funds and properties took place with his knowledge and consent. The chargesheet has been submitted before a special PMLA court, seeking further directions for prosecution.
Legal proceedings to continue
Officials said this is only the initial phase of enforcement, and the investigation is still ongoing. If more evidence surfaces, additional properties may also be attached.
The case will now proceed before the designated PMLA court, where the trust and its officials will be given an opportunity to present their defence.
Government reiterates ‘zero-tolerance’ stance
Government sources said the Centre is following a strict zero-tolerance policy against terror funding and money laundering, especially where educational or charitable institutions are used as fronts for illegal financial operations.
Authorities added that monitoring of financial flows in the education sector has been strengthened, and enforcement agencies will continue taking action wherever required.
What happens next
Based on the ED’s findings, the court will decide whether the attached assets should be confiscated permanently. The outcome of the legal process is expected to have wider implications for the regulation and accountability of private trusts and universities in India.
The ED’s latest move signals an intensified crackdown on the misuse of academic institutions for financial crime and national security threats.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.