India's NIA lets US citizen and six Ukrainians leave while UAPA case stays open
The NIA approved the departure of US national Mathew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainians, while keeping the UAPA investigation ongoing.
A Delhi court on Friday granted Mathew Aaron VanDyke, a US citizen, and six Ukrainian nationals permission to travel abroad for up to a month, on the condition they remain available for video-link questioning by the National Investigation Agency. The NIA agreed to their departure after they submitted personal undertakings and contact details, while the probe under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act continues. Authorities had accused the seven of providing drone-operation training to Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups such as the Chin National Front and Kachin Independence Army, and of receiving logistical support and financing from rebel commanders.
The release prompted a political outcry, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleging US diplomatic pressure and questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national-security stance. The court noted that the NIA had not argued for the suspects’ physical presence in India to complete the investigation. Formalities, including exit permits from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, are being arranged for their return flights.
