Indian Authorities Raid Home of Environmental Activist Over Fossil Fuel Campaign
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the home of prominent environmental activist Harjeet Singh, co-founder of Satat Sampada (Nature Forever), over allegations that his anti-fossil fuel campaign was undermining national interest. The raid comes as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign funding received by climate change groups.
According to the ED, Singh and his wife Jyoti Awasthi were paid approximately Β£500,000 to advocate for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty (FFNPT). However, investigators claim that the funds were intended to promote the FFNPT agenda within India. The agency has accused Singh of running Satat Sampada as a front organization, channelling foreign funds to advance the interests of foreign influencer groups.
The ED's investigation is significant given the controversy surrounding climate activism in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Several civil society organizations have been suspended from receiving foreign funding, and many have shut down operations.
Singh, who has worked with international NGOs and climate campaigns for over two decades, denies the allegations, calling them "baseless" and "misleading". His organization, Satat Sampada, was started in 2016 with their own savings, and its consultancy services grew after Singh left his full-time employment to focus on the work.
The ED's actions have sparked concerns about the government's targeting of environmental activists. The agency has accused Singh of potentially exposing India to legal challenges in international forums like the International Court of Justice and compromising the nation's energy security and economic development.
As the investigation continues, Singh and his wife remain at liberty after being arrested on Monday night. Their lawyer has vowed to challenge the ED's allegations in court, arguing that the organization's activities are lawful and in line with India's national interest.
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the home of prominent environmental activist Harjeet Singh, co-founder of Satat Sampada (Nature Forever), over allegations that his anti-fossil fuel campaign was undermining national interest. The raid comes as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign funding received by climate change groups.
According to the ED, Singh and his wife Jyoti Awasthi were paid approximately Β£500,000 to advocate for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty (FFNPT). However, investigators claim that the funds were intended to promote the FFNPT agenda within India. The agency has accused Singh of running Satat Sampada as a front organization, channelling foreign funds to advance the interests of foreign influencer groups.
The ED's investigation is significant given the controversy surrounding climate activism in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Several civil society organizations have been suspended from receiving foreign funding, and many have shut down operations.
Singh, who has worked with international NGOs and climate campaigns for over two decades, denies the allegations, calling them "baseless" and "misleading". His organization, Satat Sampada, was started in 2016 with their own savings, and its consultancy services grew after Singh left his full-time employment to focus on the work.
The ED's actions have sparked concerns about the government's targeting of environmental activists. The agency has accused Singh of potentially exposing India to legal challenges in international forums like the International Court of Justice and compromising the nation's energy security and economic development.
As the investigation continues, Singh and his wife remain at liberty after being arrested on Monday night. Their lawyer has vowed to challenge the ED's allegations in court, arguing that the organization's activities are lawful and in line with India's national interest.