NEW DELHI: Congress on Saturday questioned the decision to allow US national Matthew VanDyke, an accused in the Myanmar arms training case, to return to his home country, asking why a foreign national accused of terrorism was being granted such liberty while young activists protesting against alleged “vote chori” were being detained. Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in a post on X, referring to VanDyke's release and the extension of permission for him and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until February 24 next year. “US national Matthew VanDyke, arrested for conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India, was released yesterday and allowed to return home for 4 months. Why has such liberty been extended to a foreign national accused of terrorism?” Ramesh asked. He also criticised the government's handling of protests against alleged electoral irregularities. “This even as the government has shown no hesitation in detaining and arresting youth activists and peaceful protesters during the anti-vote chori protests this past month,” he said. Ramesh further pointed to the issue being raised during US secretary of state Marco Rubio's visit to India in May, noting that the American official had visited again this week.
Congress raises questions over US intervention
Ramesh had previously accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being a “compromised PM” following VanDyke's release in September. The Congress leader had claimed that Rubio raised the matter during his May visit to India and that US ambassador to India Sergio Gor also took it up with foreign secretary Vikram Misri. On September 8, Ramesh claimed that charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) had been dropped against VanDyke. He alleged that this contrasted with what he described as the widespread misuse of the law against Indian citizens and delays in such cases. After VanDyke was released on September 24, Ramesh alleged that the prime minister had “failed” to protect India's elections, institutions and national security.
Court allows seven accused to remain abroad till February 24
A Delhi court on Friday extended until February 24, 2027, the permission granted to VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues its probe into the Myanmar arms training case. Special Judge Prashant Sharma passed the order after hearing applications filed by the seven accused. The proceedings were held in-camera. The NIA sought additional time to investigate several aspects of the case, with its counsel Rahul Tyagi making submissions to that effect. The agency told the court that further investigation was needed to verify alleged offences under the UAPA in connection with the import and recovery of large quantities of drones and accessories through India. VanDyke appeared in person before the court on Friday and was permitted to return to the US. The other six accused attended the hearing through video conferencing, citing health issues. The seven foreign nationals had earlier been permitted to stay in their home countries until October 23 after seeking six weeks to meet their families.
NIA alleges training of armed groups in Myanmar
The NIA has alleged that VanDyke and the six Ukrainian nationals entered India on tourist visas, travelled to the northeastern region without the required permits and crossed from Mizoram into Myanmar, where they allegedly trained ethnic armed organisations. The accused were arrested on March 13 over allegations of training insurgent-linked groups in Myanmar. The agency had initially invoked provisions of the UAPA, including those relating to conspiracy. However, its chargesheet did not include the UAPA provisions and instead invoked Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. These provisions cover offences that can be compounded before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The NIA had previously indicated that its investigation into the alleged terror-related aspects was continuing and that further allegations could be included in a supplementary chargesheet.
