Congress questions release of US terror suspect as youth protesters remain jailed
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the government for allowing US citizen Matthew VanDyke, accused in a Myanmar arms case, to return home while detaining young activists protesting alleged vote-rigging.
During a post on X, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh questioned the government's decision to let US national Matthew VanDyke, charged with conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India, return home for four months, while youth activists protesting alleged electoral fraud remain in custody. He highlighted that a Delhi court extended the stay-away permission for VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals until February 24, 2027, as the National Investigation Agency probes the Myanmar arms-training case.
Ramesh recalled that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had raised the matter during a May visit and that US ambassador Sergio Gor later discussed it with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting India's elections, institutions, and security. The court hearing was held in-camera, with VanDyke appearing in person and the others joining via video due to health concerns. The NIA seeks additional time to investigate alleged violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act linked to drone imports and training of armed groups in Myanmar.
Why it matters
The story highlights a clash between foreign legal leniency and domestic crackdown on dissent, raising questions about India's rule of law and political priorities.
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