**Indian Court Grants Bail to US National in Terror Training Case**
A Delhi court has granted bail to a US national, identified as VanDyke, who was arrested alongside six Ukrainians by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly providing terror training to armed groups in Myanmar. The bail decision was made on Friday after the NIA failed to file a chargesheet within the legally mandated 180-day period following the arrests made in March.
Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma highlighted that the agency's chargesheet only addressed immigration-related issues and described it as a “piecemeal” job. He noted that the ongoing investigation into the more serious offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) does not negate VanDyke's right to default bail. The judge also indicated that the other co-accused individuals in the case could similarly seek bail if they choose to do so.
VanDyke is known as the founder of Sons of Liberty International, an organization that reportedly provides military training in conflict zones. His past involvement includes participation in the Libyan civil conflict in 2011. The six Ukrainians arrested alongside him are Viktor Kaminskyi, Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Marian Stefankiv, and Maksim Honcharuk.
The NIA has accused the group of entering restricted areas in northeastern India without the necessary permits and of crossing into Myanmar to conduct terror training for various ethnic groups. The agency previously informed the court that they had discovered evidence suggesting that the accused were involved in delivering multiple consignments of drones from Europe to individuals and groups in Mizoram, a state in northeastern India. Additionally, they were implicated in a drone strike targeting a civilian plane in Myanmar.
The arrests occurred as the individuals attempted to leave India from various cities. As part of the bail conditions, VanDyke is required to remain in Delhi and report to the NIA whenever requested. He will be released on a personal bond of approximately $1,000, along with a surety of the same amount.
This case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the international implications of the individuals involved. The NIA continues to investigate the matter, and further developments are expected as the legal proceedings unfold.