Allegations Against Climate Activist Harjeet Singh: A Closer Look
On January 5, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the home and office of Harjeet Singh and his organization, Satat Sampada. The agency claims that Singh’s firm funneled foreign funds to support narratives that oppose fossil fuel use in India, allegedly on behalf of international influencer groups.
Satat Sampada, co-founded by Singh and his wife, has strongly denied these claims. They described the allegations as “baseless” and “misleading.” Singh was recently arrested for having excess liquor, but a court quickly granted him bail.
The ED’s investigation centers around a reported misuse of ₹6 crore (around $720,000) from foreign sources. The agency is also looking into Singh’s trips to Pakistan and Bangladesh in 2025.
In response, Satat Sampada stated that the company was established with personal savings and loans, including mortgaging their home. Singh’s mission has always focused on climate action and environmental management. For over twenty years, he has represented India in various climate talks, emphasizing the country’s advancements in renewable energy.
The ED warns that groups like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) initiative could unintentionally endanger India’s energy security. This treaty aims to phase out fossil fuel production, and while it strives for climate justice, the ED argues that its adoption may lead to legal challenges for India.
According to Alex Rafalowicz, director of FF-NPT, the initiative prioritizes equity and justice in energy transitions. Tezporah Berman, the initiative’s chair, emphasized that their goal is to support countries, particularly in the Global South, in transitioning away from fossil fuels without pressure.
Recent surveys from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that global renewable energy capacity has increased significantly, with countries investing heavily in solar and wind energy. Such contexts make the discussion around fossil fuel dependence even more critical, as nations strive to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
With the situation evolving, both sides await further developments, highlighting the delicate intersection between environmental activism and regulatory scrutiny.
