In a serious national security case, the Patiala House Court on Monday ordered 30 days of judicial custody for seven foreign nationals. Among them is Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, a U.S. citizen, and six Ukrainian nationals—Hurba Petro, Sliviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovsky, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminski Viktor. All accused were presented before Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma after completing their NIA custody period.
Earlier, on March 16, the court had granted 11 days of custody for interrogation, which was later extended by 10 more days. During Monday’s hearing, the NIA requested the court to place all seven accused under judicial custody, which was approved.
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According to the investigating agency, these Ukrainian nationals had entered India on tourist visas on different dates. After arriving in Guwahati, they crossed into Mizoram without obtaining the necessary permissions. Subsequently, the accused illegally entered Myanmar.
Sources within the NIA said a detailed investigation is ongoing. Preliminary findings suggest that the activities of the accused could pose a threat to national security. The focus has been on unauthorized border crossings and entry into restricted areas, as failure to control such activities could pose a serious risk to sensitive regions.
The court sent all seven accused to 30 days of judicial custody, granting the NIA authority to continue its investigation. The court emphasized that during the custody period, the agency is authorized to use all legal measures to gather information on the accused and their networks.
The NIA informed the court that the accused had traveled from Guwahati to Mizoram without any authorization from local authorities. Their subsequent illegal entry into Myanmar indicates that these movements were planned and coordinated, highlighting potential security risks. The agency requested extended custody to ensure the safety and thorough investigation of their activities.
Experts note that this case highlights the growing threat posed when foreign nationals illegally enter India’s sensitive regions. Judicial custody and detailed investigations are critical tools to safeguard national security in such cases.
The NIA also stated that during the custody period, it aims to track the accused’s movements, contacts, and network activities. This information is considered essential to preemptively address any potential security threats.
Considering the seriousness of security concerns and the ongoing investigation, the court directed that all seven foreign nationals be placed in judicial custody for 30 days. The NIA will document all activities during this period and submit reports to the court.
This case is considered highly sensitive from a national security perspective, and the agency has prioritized the investigation, accelerating efforts to track the accused and uncover any larger network.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
