Al-Falah University’s membership in the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has been suspended, effective immediately. The suspension follows a show-cause notice from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) regarding false accreditation claims made by the university. These actions occur amidst an ongoing investigation into a high-intensity explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, which has led to the arrest of three doctors reportedly connected to the university.
The university’s official website, alfalahuniversity.edu.in, has been taken down. The AIU’s decision targets the Faridabad, Haryana-based institution following a series of alarming developments.
AIU Membership Suspended
The Association of Indian Universities stated it grants membership to universities based on their adherence to academic standards. AIU policy dictates that members must remain in “good standing” to retain their status.
“Accordingly, the membership of AIU accorded to Al-Falah University, Faridabad, Haryana stands suspended with immediate effect,” the official AIU statement read, as quoted by Times Now. The AIU further instructed Al-Falah University to cease using its name and logo in all activities, requiring immediate removal from any university platforms.
False Accreditation Claims Exposed
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) initiated action against Al-Falah University for misleading claims about accreditation. The university’s official website had prominently displayed accreditation statuses for three of its colleges.
These colleges were identified as Al Falah School of Engineering and Technology, Brown Hill College of Engineering and Technology, and Al-Falah School of Education and Training. Al-Falah University claimed Grade A accreditation by NAAC for Al Falah School of Engineering and Technology (since 1997) and Al-Falah School of Education and Training (since 2006).
The NAAC, however, countered these claims directly. It revealed that Al-Falah University had neither applied for nor received NAAC accreditation for any of its colleges. The council labeled the university’s public statements as “absolutely wrong and misleading.”
Delhi Blast Probe Links to University
The university came under scrutiny following a high-intensity explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday. The blast killed 12 people and injured several others. Investigators subsequently arrested three doctors in connection with the incident, all reportedly linked to Al-Falah University.
One arrested individual, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, served as a teacher at Al-Falah University. Police uncovered a “white-collar terror module” during the investigation. Officials seized 2,900 kilograms of explosives across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, implicating groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
Authorities are now examining the university’s operations. Investigators reportedly scrutinize how the institution may have become a haven for individuals involved in such activities.
University Responds to Allegations
On Wednesday, Al-Falah University issued a statement addressing the arrests. The university clarified it held only a “professional association” with the two arrested doctors. It expressed deep sadness regarding the incident and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations.
The university’s online presence has ceased. Its primary website, alfalahuniversity.edu.in, became inaccessible following these developments.