Delhi terror attack: Al-Falah University, which has come under scrutiny for its alleged links to what investigators are calling a “white-collar” terror module, held its first press briefing following the terror attack near Red Fort on Monday evening that killed 13 people and left several injured. The university defended itself, stating that it is an educational institution where students from across India pursue higher studies and that it has “no connection beyond official capacity” with any of the accused.
‘Absolutely wrong, misleading claim’: NAAC
As investigators zero in on the investigation, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University in Faridabad for displaying false accreditation on its website.
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NAAC has directed the university to remove the accreditation details from its website and asked it to explain in seven days why legal action should not be initiated against it. It also asked why it should not recommend to the UGC, AICTE, NMC and NCTE that the institution’s recognition to offer programmes be withdrawn.
The notice read, “… It is brought to the notice of NAAC that the Al-Falah University neither accredited nor volunteered for Cycle-1 for A&A has publicly displayed on their website that ‘Al-Falah University is an endeavour of Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which has been running three colleges on the campus, namely Al Falah School of Engineering and Technology (since 1997, Graded A by NAAC), Brown Hill College of Engineering and Technology (since 2008), and Al-Falah School of Education and Training (since 2006, Graded A by NAAC),’ which is absolutely wrong and misleading the public, especially the parents, students and stakeholders….”
Delhi terror blast case | National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University in Faridabad for displaying false accreditation on its website.
The notice reads, "… It is brought to the notice of NAAC that the Al-Falah… pic.twitter.com/Wze75uqUmM
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025 Following the notice, the university’s official website has been taken offline. Visitors to the site are now greeted with a temporary message asking them to “check back soon”.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology’s ‘Grade A’ accreditation was valid from 2013 to 2018, while the Al-Falah School of Education and Training’s accreditation was valid from 2011 to 2016.
IE further quoted a senior NAAC official, who said that the university should have approached them again for accreditation after it had expired. The official added that once accreditation expires, the university can no longer display it on its website.
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“They had two colleges that were accredited, and this accreditation period has expired. They should have come in for accreditation as a university, but they never did. But on their website, they have said that they are NAAC-accredited. Once the accreditation period is over, they cannot use it on their website,” a senior NAAC official was quoted by IE as saying.
“After this incident (the blast), it was pointed out that they are displaying the accreditation. So, we have issued a show-cause notice. We will also conduct an inquiry, and will give our recommendation to the regulatory authorities – UGC and AICTE.”
Website taken down, funding under scanner
According to a source-based report by CNN-News 18, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have joined the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Red Fort terror attack. ED will reportedly examine the university’s funding and the financial transactions of doctors associated with it.
The university’s press conference came a day after it issued a statement distancing itself from the accused arrested in connection with the attack, including Dr Umar Nabi, who was identified as the bomber. The institution reiterated its commitment to cooperate with investigating agencies in the ongoing probe.
Red Fort blast
At least three doctors, including one woman, are among eight people allegedly responsible for the terror attack near Delhi’s Red Fort. One of them, Dr Umar Nabi, has been identified as the man driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded near the Lal Quila Metro Station.
While Dr Umar died in the explosion, the other three doctors have been arrested. Officials believe they are part of a recently uncovered “transnational terror module” that included professionals such as doctors, clerics, and businessmen, allegedly operating under a larger network.
According to the preliminary investigation, officials have said that the blast was likely part of a well-planned conspiracy to carry out attacks on multiple locations. They have also seized multiple vehicles after the attack, including an Ecosport and a Brezza, and are investigating whether additional vehicles were linked to the plot.
Dr Umar used to live in Al-Falah Medical College, drove through several areas of Delhi before reaching the Red Fort on November 10. His route reportedly took him from the South-East District to the East District and then to the Central District’s Ring Road before the explosion occurred.
Another key suspect Dr Muzammil Ganai (alias Musaib) is allegedly connected with Dr Umar and worked closely with him on a well-planned controversy. Investigation agencies have found diaries, allegedly belonging to Nabi and Ganai, which contained information about the terror attack. The diaries mention the dates November 8 to 12.
The third accused, Dr Abdul Rather, a 2018 graduate of Srinagar’s Government Medical College, was also arrested for his suspected role in the module. Authorities claim he had known both Umar and Muzammil since their student days.
The fourth accused doctor, Dr Shaheen Shahid was arrested earlier in connection with the “white-collar” terror module. Multiple arms and explosives were also found to be connected to her. Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also detained another Doctor-Arif from Kanpur, over an alleged connection to Delhi blast suspect Dr Shaheen Saeed, officials said.
(With inputs from ANI) |
