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Association of Indian Universities suspends Al-Falah University membership amid Red Fort blast probe

Al-Falah University has distanced itself from Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, saying that the University has no connection with the accused apart from them working in their official capacities, and no questionable chemical or material is being used or stored within the University premises.

On November 10, a car explosion near the Red Fort complex in the national capital killed 12 and left several injured. (ANI Photo)

On November 10, a car explosion near the Red Fort complex in the national capital killed 13 and left several injured. (ANI Photo)

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended the membership of Faridabad-based Al-Falah University over concerns about its “good standing.” The organisation has also instructed the university to immediately remove the AIU name and logo from all its platforms. The action comes amid allegations that two practising doctors from the university may be involved in the November 10 blast incident in New Delhi.

In an official communication sent to the university, the AIU stated that membership remains valid only as long as the university continues to meet the standards outlined in the organisation’s bye-laws.

Read More| Delhi Blast: Faridabad’s Al-Falah University gets NAAC notice

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“It is intimated that, as per the Bye-laws of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), all universities shall be treated as members as long as they remain in good standing. However, as per media reports, it has come to notice that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, Haryana, does not appear to be in good standing,” the AIU stated.

The AIU announced that the university’s membership has been suspended immediately. The communication specified that Al-Falah University is not authorised to use the AIU name or logo in any of its activities. Additionally, the university must remove the AIU logo from its official website without delay.

The association has also instructed the university to take all necessary actions to comply with this order. Al-Falah University is facing scrutiny following the involvement of two of its practising doctors in a blast incident in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, stating that the institution’s accreditation has expired and asking why legal action should not be initiated against the university. The college accreditation body has sought a reply within seven days from Al-Falah University.

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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.

A senior NAAC official said that it was brought to their notice that the university’s website shows that it has received an ‘A’ grade despite the accreditation not being valid anymore.

The University made headlines when it was revealed that Dr Umar, who was driving the car that exploded near the Red Fort, had previously lived at Al-Falah Medical College. In response, Al-Falah University has distanced itself from both Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, stating that the University has no connection to the accused beyond their employment in official capacities.

They also affirmed that no questionable chemicals or materials are being used or stored on the University premises. On November 10, a car explosion near the Red Fort complex in the national capital resulted in 12 fatalities and several injuries.