New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a status report on the interim bail plea filed by Al Falah University founder Javed Ahmed Siddiqui in connection with the Red Fort blast case. Siddiqui has sought interim bail to care for his wife while she undergoes treatment for cancer. Justice Madhu Jain's Bench listed the matter for further hearing on June 24.

During the hearing, ED counsel Zoheb Hossain argued that the petition was not maintainable. On June 9, the Saket Court had dismissed Siddiqui's interim bail application. Challenging that order, Siddiqui approached the Delhi High Court seeking six weeks of interim bail to look after his wife, who is battling Stage IV cancer.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Javed Ahmed Siddiqui on November 18, 2025. Al Falah University, located in Faridabad, had been under the scrutiny of investigating agencies following the Red Fort blast. Investigators found that three doctors arrested in the case had links with the university, leading to a detailed probe into the institution. The ED subsequently arrested Siddiqui on charges of terror funding and money laundering.

On January 16, the ED filed a chargesheet against Javed Ahmed Siddiqui and the Al Falah Charitable Trust. The agency initiated its investigation after two FIRs were registered by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police. According to the FIRs, Al Falah University falsely claimed that it had received accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The ED has also stated that it has provisionally attached the university's properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The blast occurred on November 10, 2025, when an i10 car exploded near the Red Fort. The vehicle was registered in the name of Aamir Rashid Ali. The explosion claimed the lives of 13 people and left 32 others injured.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had also lodged a complaint against Al Falah University, following which the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Javed Ahmed Siddiqui. Acting on the UGC's complaints, the Crime Branch registered two FIRs against Siddiqui before taking him into custody.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar