Rouse Avenue Court Grants Default Bail to American Citizen; Says Six Ukrainian Nationals May Also Be Entitled to Bail
New Delhi: (SDNA) A major development has emerged in the Myanmar terror training case involving seven foreign nationals. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has granted default bail to American citizen Matthew Aaron VanDyke, who was arrested in a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The court granted bail to VanDyke on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh along with a surety of the same amount and directed him to remain in Delhi. The court also made an important observation regarding the six Ukrainian nationals arrested in the case.
Delhi Court’s Observation on Six Ukrainians
The court observed that if the six Ukrainian nationals file bail applications, they may also be entitled to bail. However, they will be required to join the investigation whenever called by the investigating officer.
The NIA had earlier filed a chargesheet against the seven foreign nationals without invoking provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Six Ukrainian nationals and one American citizen, Matthew Aaron VanDyke, were arrested during the investigation. VanDyke has now been granted bail by the Delhi court.
What Is the Case?
According to the NIA, the seven foreign nationals were arrested in connection with allegations of providing terror training in Myanmar. The group comprised six Ukrainian citizens and one American national.
The accused had allegedly entered India on tourist visas and subsequently travelled to Mizoram, from where they allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally.
Alleged Links With Ethnic Groups in Myanmar
According to the investigation agency, the accused allegedly had contacts with ethnic groups operating in Myanmar. The NIA has alleged that they provided training to members of armed groups in handling weapons and operating drones.
The investigation has also indicated that drones were allegedly procured from Europe and used during the training activities.
The accused were reportedly arrested at different locations by the NIA after returning to India from Myanmar.
Matthew VanDyke Granted Bail
American citizen Matthew VanDyke was arrested in Kolkata and was granted bail by the Delhi court on Friday.
Of the Ukrainian nationals arrested in the case, three were apprehended in Delhi and three others in Lucknow. The Ukrainian nationals have been identified as Herba Petro, Slivyak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovsky, Stefan Marian, Honcharuk Maksym and Kaminsky Viktor.
The NIA investigation is currently continuing. The agency is examining the alleged network of the accused and is seeking to determine the extent of their contacts with individuals, organisations and networks in different countries.
(SDNA)