UAPA ‘Missing’: What Allowed VanDyke, 6 Ukrainians To Leave India? The Legal Gap Explained

American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian co-accused have been allowed to leave India temporarily after nearly six months in custody. A Delhi Special NIA Court granted VanDyke default bail after the NIA’s first chargesheet, filed on September 8, included immigration offences but not alleged UAPA offences. The agency said its UAPA investigation was still continuing. The court later allowed VanDyke to travel to the United States and the six Ukrainians to Ukraine for one month, subject to conditions. They must return to India, provide contact details, cooperate with the investigation and appear when required. The court clarified that default bail is not an acquittal and that the NIA can continue its investigation and take further legal steps.