ED Raids Over 25 Locations Linked to Al-Falah Group as Probe Into Red Fort Car Blast Deepens

Delhi: The investigation into the car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort intensified on Tuesday with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launching raids at more than 25 locations linked to the Al-Falah group across Delhi-NCR. The searches, which began at 5:15 am, are part of an ongoing probe into suspected financial irregularities involving shell companies, accommodation entities, and possible money laundering.

According to officials, the raids were carried out at the Delhi office of Al-Falah University and extended to its trustees, associated individuals, and related entities. Several doctors and professors connected to the institution—including Dr Umar Un Nabi, the prime suspect accused of driving the explosive-laden car—are associated with Al-Falah University.

These actions follow the government’s directive for a comprehensive forensic audit of the university’s records. Multiple agencies, including the ED and other financial investigation bodies, have been tasked with examining the institution’s accounts and tracing suspicious money routes linked to the developing case. Sources indicated that investigators have already reached individuals holding crucial financial and administrative positions within the organisation, suggesting that the probe has entered deeper into the group’s internal structure.

During the searches, officials reportedly discovered nine suspected shell companies registered at the same address. Preliminary findings flagged several red signs typically associated with shell entities, such as:

• No employee presence at the registered office and minimal utility usage
• Same mobile number and email ID used for multiple companies
• No EPFO or ESIC records despite showing significant business activity
• Common directors and weak KYC documentation
• Minimal salary-related transactions and almost no HR records
• Companies formed around the same timelines with shared contact details

Investigators believe these indicators strongly suggest that the entities may have been created to obscure questionable financial movements.

With Al-Falah University emerging as a key link in what authorities suspect to be a white-collar terror module, an atmosphere of anxiety has reportedly spread among students and staff, PTI reported citing sources. The raids coincide with examination season, leaving many students with little choice but to remain on campus, although some have chosen to return home.