What Led to the Release of US National Matthew VanDyke? Congress Raises Alarm Over National Security
Congress Criticizes Modi Government Over VanDyke's Release
New Delhi: The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the Modi administration following the release of American citizen Matthew VanDyke on default bail, allowing him to return home. They allege that this decision was influenced by pressure from the United States, raising concerns about the government's ability to safeguard India's national security.
The opposition has demanded accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding how such foreign individuals were granted visas and permitted to traverse through India en route to Myanmar.
VanDyke's release came shortly after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charges against him and six other foreign nationals for illegal entry and movement, although they did not apply the anti-terror law, UA(P)A, despite their arrests being linked to a terror conspiracy involving ethnic armed groups in India.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress's general secretary for communications, criticized the Prime Minister, stating, "Our #CompromisedPM does it again. Last night, a US national Matthew VanDyke accused of plotting terrorist acts was released and allowed to return to his country."
Ramesh provided a timeline, noting that on March 13, the NIA apprehended VanDyke and others for allegedly conspiring to execute terrorist activities against India. He mentioned that on March 16, the NIA's court submission indicated that the accused were supporting anti-India insurgent factions.
It was claimed that VanDyke had confessed to facilitating terrorist actions. Ramesh also highlighted that during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India in May, the US Ambassador raised concerns about this case with Indian officials.
On September 8, the charges under UAPA were dropped against VanDyke, which Ramesh pointed out as a stark contrast to the frequent misuse of this law against Indian citizens.
VanDyke was ultimately released on September 24, prompting Ramesh to question the implications of US pressure on this outcome and the initial visa issuance to these foreign nationals.
He asserted, "The PM has failed to protect India's elections, institutions, and our national security."
Earlier this month, when the NIA chose not to invoke UAPA against VanDyke, Congress speculated whether the agency faced pressure from the Modi government due to American influence, questioning what India might gain in return.
The NIA's charge sheet, presented to Special Judge Prashant Sharma, accused the group of violating sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, stating that further investigation was necessary to fully understand the offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
VanDyke was arrested at Kolkata airport, while three Ukrainian nationals were detained at Lucknow airport on the same day. Additional arrests of three other Ukrainians occurred at Delhi airport, with allegations that they were acting as mercenaries.
The NIA had previously initiated the case under Section 18 of the UAPA, alongside sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charge sheet indicated that significant progress had been made in the investigation concerning UAPA offenses, but more time was needed to verify the facts, especially regarding the recovery of drones and digital devices linked to the case.
The document suggested that further inquiries could reveal their potential involvement in activities threatening India's unity and security.