The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has dropped provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against a US citizen and six Ukrainian nationals who were arrested in connection with an alleged terror conspiracy involving armed groups in Myanmar.
The development marks a significant change from the initial investigation, in which the seven foreign nationals were booked under UAPA provisions following their arrests in March 2026.
Who Are the Accused?
The accused include US citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and six Ukrainian nationals. According to reports, investigators were examining their alleged links with ethnic armed groups and claims that they provided training, including drone-related training, to groups described as hostile to India.
The case reportedly came under the NIA’s investigation after the group was intercepted at different airports during an operation by Indian agencies.
UAPA Not Invoked in Chargesheet
In its chargesheet filed before a special NIA court in Delhi on September 8, the agency did not invoke UAPA provisions against the seven accused.
Instead, the chargesheet cites Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, relating to alleged violations concerning their entry, stay and movement in India.
The shift is notable because UAPA is India’s principal anti-terror legislation and carries substantially more serious implications than immigration-related offences.
Investigation Into Alleged Training Activities Continues
The dropping of UAPA provisions from the present chargesheet does not necessarily mean that the wider investigation has ended.
The NIA has indicated that its investigation into alleged UAPA-related offences remains ongoing, leaving open the possibility of further action or supplementary chargesheets if additional evidence emerges.
Investigators had earlier examined allegations that the accused were connected with ethnic armed groups in Myanmar and were involved in providing training to such groups.
What Happens Next?
For now, the seven accused face charges under the Immigration and Foreigners Act rather than UAPA in the chargesheet filed by the NIA.
The case will continue before the competent court, while the agency’s broader investigation into the alleged network and activities remains underway.
The development is being closely watched because the initial allegations involved national-security concerns and suspected links with armed groups, while the latest chargesheet represents a considerably narrower set of offences.
Key Points
- Seven foreign nationals have been chargesheeted.
- The group includes one US citizen and six Ukrainian nationals.
- The NIA has not invoked UAPA in the current chargesheet.
- The chargesheet cites Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
- The wider investigation into alleged UAPA-related offences is reportedly continuing.
- The accused are alleged to have had links with ethnic armed groups and to have provided training in Myanmar.
