On the day first-year MBBS students started their classes at Al-Falah Medical College, a new and serious challenge surfaced for the institution and its founder. Authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow area issued a demolition notice against the ancestral home of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder and chairman of Al-Falah University. This development adds to the mounting scrutiny the university is already facing amid ongoing investigations for alleged terror links and financial misconduct.

The demolition notice was issued by the Mhow Cantonment Board, which ordered Siddiqui’s family to vacate the property within three days or face demolition at their own expense. The property, registered in the name of Siddiqui’s late father, Mohammad Hammad Siddiqui—a former town Shahar Qazi—is located in Mukeri Mohalla and is locally known as “Maulana’s Building.” The board declared the house illegal due to unauthorized construction components including an unauthorized basement and four additional floors that violate strict cantonment land-use laws. The property originally held under a British-era grant permitted only residential use, and attempts made in the mid-1990s by Siddiqui to register and transfer ownership were declined due to these violations. The Cantonment Board states that three prior notices dating back to 1996-97 had been issued, but the illegal constructions persisted, leading to this final demolition order.

This demolition notice comes at a time when Al-Falah University is under intense national scrutiny following the November 10 Red Fort blast that killed at least 12 people. Investigators have traced alleged links between the terror incident and several doctors from the university, including the accused suicide bomber Dr. Umar un-Nabi and his accomplices. The university’s reputation has suffered a major blow, and the institution is also embroiled in a financial probe by the Enforcement Directorate. Siddiqui was arrested following raids on multiple properties linked to the university, with allegations that the institution amassed over ₹415 crore through unlawful means, described as “proceeds of crime.” Students at the university describe an emotionally taxing atmosphere, with parents concerned and a palpable sense of uncertainty about continuing their education amid the controversies.

The university’s internal environment has changed visibly, with investigative teams questioning students and staff, particularly those connected to the accused doctors. Around 200 doctors and staff members are reportedly under investigation for possible terror links or involvement in the blast. Outpatient numbers at the university’s medical hospital have dropped significantly, reflecting the crisis’s impact on both academic activities and public trust.

The demolition notice issued to the founder’s ancestral home is not just a standalone administrative action but part of a broader crackdown on Al-Falah University as it grapples with legal, financial, and reputational challenges stemming from its alleged links to criminal activities. This case highlights complex intersections of educational institutions, legal compliance, and national security concerns, with heavy consequences for students and stakeholders connected to the university.