22 hrs ago
Van Dyke Pays ₹5.5 Lakh as NIA Case Continues
Matthew Aaron Van Dyke is facing a case brought by India’s National Investigation Agency.
He was arrested over alleged activities connected to a training camp in Myanmar.
The agency first accused him under the UAPA.
Later, it filed charges under parts of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, while saying the UAPA investigation was still unfinished.
A court gave Van Dyke default bail because the investigation was not completed within the required time.
He has now paid ₹5.5 lakh to settle the specific immigration-related offences through a process called compounding.
That payment does not automatically settle the separate UAPA allegations.
His lawyers are preparing a request asking the court to discharge him before a full trial.
US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke paid ₹5.5 lakh in compounding charges to the FRRO for alleged Immigration and Foreigners Act offences.
The payment followed his default bail granted by the Special NIA Court over the incomplete UAPA investigation.
The NIA filed a chargesheet under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act on September 8, 2026.
The agency told the court that its investigation into the alleged UAPA offences was still continuing.
Van Dyke’s defence is preparing a discharge application, while the FRRO payment does not automatically end the NIA proceedings.
- Who
- US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, the National Investigation Agency, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office and the Special NIA Court.
- What
- Van Dyke paid ₹5.5 lakh in compounding charges after receiving default bail, and his defence is preparing a discharge application.
- Where
- The proceedings are before the FRRO and the Special NIA Court at Rouse Avenue.
- When
- Van Dyke was arrested on March 13, 2026; the investigation period expired and the chargesheet was filed on September 8, 2026; the FRRO payment followed subsequently.
- Why
- The payment concerns alleged offences under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, while Van Dyke seeks relief because the alleged UAPA investigation was not completed within the statutory period.
Van Dyke’s Defence Position
NIA’s Position
Default bail
Van Dyke’s Defence Position
The defence argued that the investigation into the alleged UAPA offences was not completed within the statutory period, entitling Van Dyke to default bail.
NIA’s Position
The NIA filed a chargesheet under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, but told the court that its investigation into the alleged UAPA offences was continuing.
Effect of the chargesheet
Van Dyke’s Defence Position
The court held that an agency could not circumvent default-bail provisions by filing an incomplete chargesheet to deny the accused that relief.
NIA’s Position
The NIA’s chargesheet addressed Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, while the alleged UAPA investigation remained pending.
Effect of the FRRO payment
Van Dyke’s Defence Position
The defence may rely on the FRRO order and the nature of the chargesheet in seeking Van Dyke’s discharge.
NIA’s Position
The payment settles only the specified Foreigners Act offences through compounding and does not by itself determine the outcome of the remaining UAPA-related proceedings.
Key facts
- Person
- Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, a US national
- Arrest date
- March 13, 2026
- Agency
- National Investigation Agency
- Payment
- ₹5.5 lakh in compounding charges
- Relevant immigration provisions
- Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
- Bail terms
- Personal bond of ₹1 lakh and a surety bond of ₹1 lakh
- Next legal step
- The defence is preparing a discharge application before the Special NIA Court
Sources
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