Congress Questions Matthew Van Dyke's Release, Demands Centre's Accountability Over NIA Case

The Congress on Thursday launched an attack on the Central government over the release of US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March 2026 in connection with an alleged terror-training case linked to Myanmar.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the circumstances surrounding VanDyke's release and demanded accountability from the Centre, alleging that US pressure may have influenced the outcome.

Jairam Ramesh Questions US Pressure, Seeks Centre's Response

In a post on X, Ramesh listed a timeline of events, stating that VanDyke was among a group of foreign nationals arrested by the NIA on March 13 on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India.

He said the agency had informed a special court on March 16 that the accused had allegedly confessed to abetting terrorist activities and supporting anti-India insurgent groups.

Ramesh further claimed that during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India between May 23 and 26, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had raised the issue with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

He noted that UAPA charges against VanDyke were dropped on September 8 and that he was subsequently released from custody on September 24.

"Obviously US pressure determined this outcome, but what did India get in return? More fundamentally, how were these suspicious foreign individuals given visas and allowed to travel through India to Myanmar in the first place? The HM must answer this," Ramesh said.

He further added, "The PM has failed to protect India's elections, institutions and our national security."

Pawan Khera Alleges VanDyke Received Preferential Treatment

Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticised the government, alleging that VanDyke had entered Mizoram without the requisite permit, crossed into Myanmar, where he allegedly imparted weapons training to armed groups, and later returned to Indian territory before being sent back to the United States.

"Mathew VanDyke - a known mercenary who entered Mizoram without the requisite permit, crossed over into Myanmar, imparted weapons training to armed groups there, and then crossed back into our territory - has been sent off to America as though he were a state guest," Khera said.

Contrasting VanDyke's release with instances of Indian citizens being deported from the US in handcuffs, Khera alleged that the Prime Minister was "compromised" and under pressure from the US administration.

"Mind you, America deported Indian citizens in handcuffs and military planes. All this while, some 56-inch-chested paper tiger has been running the country - pressed hard under Trump’s thumb. Wake up, folks - the PM is COMPROMISED," he stated.

Why Was Matthew VanDyke Arrested?

According to case details, VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13, 2026, in connection with alleged activities linked to a training camp in Myanmar. He was initially booked under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The statutory period for completion of the investigation expired on September 8, 2026. On that date, the NIA filed a chargesheet invoking Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, while informing the court that further investigation into the alleged UAPA offences was continuing.

VanDyke subsequently approached the Special NIA Court at Rouse Avenue seeking default bail, contending that the investigation into the UAPA offences had not been completed within the prescribed period.

Court Grants Default Bail to VanDyke

Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma, while granting him default bail, observed that the NIA had not completed its investigation into the UAPA offences within the statutory period.

The court held that the agency could not circumvent statutory provisions governing the right to default bail by filing an incomplete chargesheet to deny such relief to the accused.

VanDyke was granted bail on furnishing a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and a surety bond of the same amount.

Sources said VanDyke has since paid ₹5.5 lakh towards compounding charges before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in connection with offences under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.