A special court in Delhi on Wednesday extended the judicial custody of six Ukrainian nationals and one US citizen by 30 days in a case linked to alleged terror training activities in Myanmar.
Special NIA judge Prashant Sharma passed the order in a closed-door hearing at Patiala House Court, citing the sensitive nature of the case. The accused were produced via video conferencing from Tihar Jail.
The seven accused include US citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and Ukrainian nationals Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim and Kaminskyi Viktor.
The court declined requests by Ukrainian and US embassy officials to observe the proceedings, stating that the hearing would be conducted in camera as per legal provisions. “You need not worry… everything will be done as per the law. You have consular access to meet your citizens,” the judge said.
The case, investigated by the National Investigation Agency, involves allegations that the accused supported ethnic armed groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons, drones and other equipment, and imparting training.
Also read: Mercenaries slipped out of India undetected using Mizoram route
The accused have been booked under provisions related to terror conspiracy and other offences, with investigators probing links to insurgent groups operating in India.
The prosecution sought extension of custody, citing the need for further investigation into multiple aspects, including the accused’s travel routes, alleged use of drones for training, and possible connections with Indian insurgent outfits.
Counsel for Van Dyke opposed the extension, citing health concerns and seeking treatment in a private hospital. Lawyers representing the Ukrainian nationals requested permission for electronic communication with families, which the court said would require formal applications under existing rules.
Earlier, the NIA had alleged that the accused entered India on tourist visas, travelled to the Northeast, and crossed into Myanmar without authorisation, where they allegedly engaged with ethnic armed groups.
The agency is also probing whether drones and related technologies were used in training activities and whether logistical networks within India facilitated their movement.
Officials have described the case as sensitive, with implications for national security and regional stability.-
Follow us
