NIA Terror Probe Against American Matthew VanDyke Continues, Sources Say

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has not withdrawn terror charges against American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six others, according to official sources. The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that VanDyke may have avoided prosecution under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

VanDyke, who runs the security firm Sons of Liberty International, has been in custody since March for allegedly entering India illegally with the intention of travelling to Myanmar. Authorities suspect he planned to train ethnic insurgent groups there in drone warfare and other combat techniques.

Sources explained that VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals were initially charged under Section 18 of the UAPA after their arrest. The recent development involves the NIA filing a chargesheet under the Immigration and Foreigners Act (IFA) for offences that have already been established during the investigation.

This procedural step was taken to address the statutory custody limit. Under UAPA rules, the agency has up to 180 days to complete its probe while the accused remain in custody. With that period ending on September 8, the NIA filed the IFA chargesheet to prevent the accused from automatically becoming eligible for bail.

Sources emphasised that this move does not signal the closure of the larger investigation. The chargesheet itself notes that the UAPA probe is ongoing. Indian law permits further investigation after a chargesheet is filed, and supplementary chargesheets can be submitted at a later stage.

VanDyke's digital footprint, spanning over a decade, has come under scrutiny. In past videos, he described recruiting fighters to assist local populations in conflicts worldwide, including training Iraqi forces against ISIS. Whether his activities in India and the alleged Myanmar connection fall under the same pattern remains a matter under investigation.