NIA to question two accused over Myanmar terror training case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to question US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and Ukrainian national Viktor Kaminskyi in connection with an alleged terror-training case linked to Myanmar.

A Special Court at Rouse Avenue has permitted the NIA to interrogate the two accused while they remain in judicial custody at Tihar Jail. The questioning is scheduled for September 2 and 3, between 11 am and 5 pm.

NIA wants to uncover the larger network

According to the NIA, sustained questioning is needed to verify information provided by witnesses and uncover the wider conspiracy allegedly involved in the case.

Investigators are particularly seeking details about other suspects described as masterminds who are believed to be operating from Myanmar. The agency told the court that the interrogation is important for advancing the investigation into the alleged cross-border network.

Seven foreign nationals are in custody

VanDyke and Kaminskyi are among seven foreign nationals arrested by the NIA in connection with the case. The group comprises one US national and six Ukrainian nationals.

They were arrested in April, according to the latest court report, and are currently in judicial custody. Earlier reports on the case said the accused allegedly travelled through India before entering Myanmar and were accused of providing training and support to armed groups there.

Ukrainian translator to assist questioning

The NIA has also sought the assistance of a Ukrainian translator during the questioning of Kaminskyi.

The agency told the court that the sensitive nature of the investigation and concerns relating to national security required the two accused to be questioned while in judicial custody.

The latest court order allows investigators to question the two men as they seek to establish the alleged network behind the Myanmar-linked activities and identify other individuals who may have played a role.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused are yet to be established through legal proceedings.