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Police have raided the home of a leading climate campaigner in India, over claims that his advocacy for a treaty to cut fossil fuel use was harming the country's strategic goals.

Investigation into Foreign Funding and Suspected Misrepresentation

Investigators claim that the activist, Harjeet Singh, and his spouse, his partner, co-founders of an entity called Satat Sampada, were paid nearly £500,000 to advocate for the FFNPT initiative.

"Although framed as a climate initiative, its implementation could subject India to legal challenges in global courts and significantly undermine the country's energy security and economic development," stated officers.

The law enforcement agency, which falls under the finance ministry, stated it conducted raids as part of an active probe into questionable international money transfers received under the pretext of service fees.

"Further checking of documents indicates that the funds were actually intended to promote the objectives of the treaty within India," the body added.

Nature of the FFNPT

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is an international campaign that advocates for a pact to stop searching for new fossil fuels and to systematically reduce their use.

First endorsed by island states like Vanuatu and Tuvalu, it now boasts the support of 17 national governments, the World Health Organization, and the European parliament.

Additional Allegations and Detention

During the search, officers said they found a "large cache" of whiskey exceeding legal limits at the campaigner's residence.

This led to local police arresting and then releasing him.

The investigation body also stated it was investigating travel made to neighboring countries last year, including their financial backing.

Response from the Activists

In a response, the couple said they were legally barred from sharing details of the case but added: "We firmly declare that the claims being reported are unfounded, prejudiced and misleading."

They clarified that they had started their venture with their own funds and loans in 2016, and that its consultancy work expanded in 2021.

"These contributions and contributions are widely recorded across print, digital, television and social media, as well as public platforms," they said.

Wider Environment for Civil Society

The campaigner is a known presence at global environmental talks, having worked with multiple organizations for over twenty years.

Under the current administration, non-profit groups in India have encountered increased scrutiny. A large number of permits to receive international donations have been suspended.

According to accounts, the investigation began based on information obtained from a recent international climate conference. Other activists whose work is perceived as against India's energy interests are also reportedly under investigation.

Agency's Core Allegation

The investigative agency alleged the entity of functioning as a cover, outwardly presenting itself as a business in sustainable agriculture while its "primary activity appears to be channelling foreign funds to promote messaging furthering the FF-NPT cause in India."

It stated the company had been running at a loss until 2021, when inflows registered as "consultancy services" changed its financial situation.

"The agency suspects incorrect reporting and misrepresentation of the nature of the foreign funds. The agency is investigating... whether the activities funded were contrary to the nation's welfare," the statement concluded.