In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated proceedings that could lead to the attachment of the campus of Al Falah University. The action is being taken under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED Targets Trust Assets in Haryana
The federal investigative agency is currently undertaking a detailed process to identify and value various assets linked to the Al Falah Trust. This trust is the governing body that owns and operates all its educational institutions, including the university in question. The assets under scrutiny include both movable and immovable properties.
The move indicates an escalation in the probe, suggesting the agency has gathered prima facie evidence of proceeds of crime being potentially integrated into the trust's holdings. The development was reported on January 11, 2026, marking a critical turn in the investigation.
Implications for the Educational Institution
While the procedural steps of identification and valuation are underway, the potential attachment of the university campus raises serious questions about the immediate future of the institution's operations. Attachment under PMLA is a provisional measure, where the authority assumes control of properties suspected to be linked to money laundering, preventing their sale or transfer during the investigation.
The focus on the trust structure highlights the ED's approach to tracing the ultimate ownership and flow of funds. Educational trusts and societies have come under increased scrutiny in recent years for potential misuse as conduits for illicit finance.
Next Steps and Legal Recourse
Following the valuation process, the ED is expected to issue a formal attachment order. The trust and the university management will then have the opportunity to present their case before the adjudicating authority under the PMLA to contest the attachment. The legal process ensures that while the agency can act swiftly to secure assets, the accused parties retain the right to a legal defense.
This case adds to a growing list of high-profile actions where educational assets have been targeted in financial crime investigations, underscoring a broader crackdown on the alleged laundering of money through the education sector.
