Through his organisation, Sons of Liberty international, VanDyke claimed to train communities fighting terrorism and authoritarian regimes

Mercenary. Terrorism suspect. Spy. Documentary filmmaker. Security analyst. Pro-democracy revolutionary. Self-styled American freedom fighter who fought in Libya’s 2011 war against Muammar Gaddafi. A resume built in war. Matthew Aaron VanDyke, 46, built a life that blurred every line. Now that life sits under lock and key in India. In NIA custody after a last-minute airport interception in Kolkata this month, the Baltimore-born adventurer faces terrorism-related allegations tied to cross-border movement, drone warfare training, and suspected links with armed groups fighting the junta in Myanmar. His journey into conflict began as a camera story. It did not stay that way. VanDyke first travelled to Libya as a filmmaker during the Arab Spring. He soon joined rebel fighters battling Gaddafi’s forces. Captured and held for nearly six months, he later escaped during Tripoli’s fall — an episode that cemented his image as a man who did not just document war but stepped into it.Syria followed. So did controversy.He acknowledged on social media advising rebel factions on tactics and weapons, drawing criticism for collapsing the boundary between journalism and combat. His academic grounding — a master’s degree in security studies with a West Asia focus from Georgetown University — fed into a persona that fused analysis with action.Over time, VanDyke crafted a public identity around conflict. Through his organisation, Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), he claimed to train communities fighting terrorism and authoritarian regimes. Social media posts and his website depict operations in Iraq, Venezuela, the Philippines, and Ukraine. In one post, he wrote: “My organization SOLI is training a new unit to fight against terrorists… from never holding a firearm before to becoming good shooters.”He later claimed involvement in covert missions in Venezuela, writing: “You’ve read about our missions… nobody knew who did it.”Authorities in India alleged a far darker turn. Investigators said VanDyke and six Ukrainian associates entered Mizoram without required permissions, crossed into Myanmar, and conducted “pre-scheduled training” for ethnic armed groups opposing the junta. The training allegedly included advanced drone warfare — assembly, deployment, and jamming systems. Security officials said that such capabilities could spill across borders, amplifying insurgent threats in the Northeast.His arrest came minutes before departure. On March 12, VanDyke had cleared immigration at the Kolkata airport and was about to board a flight to Dubai, en route to Poland. His bags were already loaded. Intelligence alerts triggered a last-second stop. “He had cleared immigration and was about to depart when he was stopped,” an official said. He spent two days being questioned before being handed to the NIA. Investigators traced his movements from New Delhi to Kolkata, then to Mizoram, and allegedly across to Myanmar’s Chin state.All seven foreigners now face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A Delhi court has granted NIA custody for further interrogation.VanDyke insists SOLI operates independently, without govt backing. Yet his footprint tracks closely with global conflict zones — Libya, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, Venezuela. Diplomatic channels are active. The US has acknowledged awareness of the case. Ukraine is tracking the status of its citizens.For a man who made a career out of choosing his wars, the next chapter will not be his to script.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has described as “very unusual” and “not a very happy situation” the allegations that Mamata Banerjee entered the premises of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee while ED was conducting a probe, and obstructed it from carrying out duties on Jan 8. The court said a remedy must be found to prevent such clashes in future. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N V Anjaria stressed SC had to intervene to decide on what was to be done in such a situation, while expressing apprehension such incidents can happen in other states also. “Because in this case, according to them, the CM barged into the office…if Article 226 and Article 32 (regarding violation of fundamental rights, see inset) are also not maintainable, then who will decide? It is not a very happy situation. It is unusual and it did not happen earlier. Someday some other CM may enter into some other office…,” the bench said. The Supreme Court bench said there cannot be a vacuum, and there has to be some remedy for such a situation.The hearing started with a heated exchange of words between the bench and the state govt. A batch of lawyers appearing for the state, the CM and state officials made a concerted effort to get adjournment on the ground that ED’s rejoinder affidavit mentioned new facts which needed to be responded to. But the bench rejected the plea after solicitor general Tushar Mehta said it was a tactic to delay the hearing as the rejoinder was filed four weeks ago.Senior advocates Shyam Divan, Kapil Sibal, Siddharth Luthra and Menaka Guruswamy told the bench that it was not a normal rejoinder as it had several new averments that went beyond the scope of the petition.The bench, however, told them that they cannot dictate how the court should proceed. Divan responded that they were only requesting. When it was pointed out that ED had also sought adjournment, the bench said it is not battle for adjournment, and asked Divan to argue the case. The hearing would resume on March 24.

Colonel (time scale) Purohit Prasad Shrikant

NEW DELHI: In a reprieve for Colonel (time scale) Purohit Prasad Shrikant, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has directed that his retirement be kept in abeyance until a decision is taken on his statutory complaint seeking consideration for promotion and other service benefits following his acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. He was due to retire on Mar 31.A bench comprising AFT chairperson Justice Rajendra Menon and administrative member Rasika Chaube passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Army officer seeking promotion to the rank of Colonel and thereafter to Brigadier.Invoking the jurisdiction of the tribunal under Section 14 of Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, the applicant contended that he was denied promotions while facing a criminal trial after his arrest in 2008.In its order passed on Mar 16, the tribunal issued notice to the Union govt and other respondents, asking them to explain as to why directives should not be issued to consider the officer’s case for promotion and grant of all consequential service benefits on a par with his batchmates or subordinates.On being contacted, a source in the Army told TOI, “Indian Army will examine the judgment and thereafter take action as per policy provisions.”Explaining the ‘Colonel (time scale)’ rank, the source said, “In the service bracket of 15-18 years, Lt Colonels are considered for promotion (by a promotion board). Around 30-50% of Lt Colonels become Colonels. The rest of them stay as Lt Colonels. Once these Lt Colonels complete 26 years of service and also have an impeccable service (record), they are given the rank of Colonel (time scale). Purohit completed 26 years of service long back. Since he was facing disciplinary action and vigilance ban, he was given the Colonel (time scale) rank only after his acquittal.”“Prima facie, we find that a case is made out where the applicant may be right in contending that he is entitled to be considered for the grant of promotion and all other service benefits at par with his juniors, which were denied to him,” the AFT observed. It further said that the officer’s claim that he was “implicated in the case in an illegal, fabricated manner” appeared to have been established by the criminal court.The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 22.

Most higher reaches of Kashmir received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains, disrupting vehicular movement in some stretches. (PTI Photo)

SRINAGAR: Wet weather has brought the chill back to the Kashmir Valley, lowering temperatures across the region and prompting people to turn to warm clothing and traditional and electric hamams for relief. Srinagar had recorded a maximum temperature of 14.9°C Tuesday. Gulmarg and Sonamarg received fresh snowfall Wednesday, further contributing to the dip in mercury.The meteorological department, in its Wednesday evening forecast, predicted “erratic weather” till March 20.Snowfall at Pir Ki Gali along Mughal Road led to the route’s closure. The plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain, which continued till Wednesday evening. Historian Khalid Bashir described the weather as “serenity unveiled along the course of the Jhelum, a wet Wednesday’s gentle gift”.Scores of tourists were spotted taking selfies in Gulmarg, many expressing surprise at the March snowfall. “We were not expecting snowfall at this time. In one trip, we got to see the Tulip Garden in Srinagar plus snowfall,” a tourist said.The plunge in mercury contrasts with last month’s dry spell in Kashmir, which had raised concerns. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded its warmest Feb on record, with the maximum temperature rising 10°C above normal on Feb 22 at 21°C. A day later, CM Omar Abdullah had called for the introduction of artificial snow at Gulmarg to sustain tourism activity.In Feb, independent forecaster Faizan Arif had stated that the previous all-time Feb record for Srinagar was 20.6°C, which was observed on Feb 24, 2016. He had said that the Feb 22 reading officially made it the warmest Feb day ever recorded in the city.The current weather is expected to remain cloudy, with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, the Met department stated Wednesday. A few higher reaches of Chenab Valley in Jammu division and south Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall. Weather conditions are likely to improve between March 21 and 25, with generally dry conditions expected. However, a brief spell of rain or snow at isolated places cannot be ruled out on March 23.The department advised travellers planning to move through higher reaches and key passes to plan accordingly between March 18 and 20, as there is a possibility of heavy rain and snowfall at some places, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) and isolated hailstorms. The department urged farmers to suspend operations during this period.

NEW DELHI: Parts of the Delhi-NCR witnessed rainfall on Wednesday, bringing a noticeable change in weather conditions along with a dip in temperatures. Visuals from Indira Bhawan showed steady rain under cloudy skies, while scenes from Moolchand Metro Station captured commuters moving through light to moderate showers. In the Palam area, rainfall and gusty winds were also reported, indicating widespread weather activity across Delhi.According to news agency PTI, high-velocity winds sweeping through Delhi caused power outages and disruptions across several parts of the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advisories, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid vulnerable structures. People were cautioned to stay away from windows, electrical poles, and overhead power lines, while securing loose objects to prevent accidents.Farmers were advised to halt outdoor work temporarily and move livestock to safer areas, while motorists caught in the storm were told to pull over safely and remain inside their vehicles instead of driving through strong winds and flying debris.According to the India Meteorological Department, the city is likely to continue witnessing light rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds till March 20. Wind speeds may range between 20–30 kmph, gusting up to 40–50 kmph, especially during afternoon and evening hours.The change in weather is attributed to active western disturbances and cyclonic circulations affecting northwest India, leading to increased thunderstorm activity over the region.The rainfall has led to a fall in temperatures, with the maximum expected to drop from around 32–34°C to 26–28°C over the next two days, remaining below normal for this time of year. Minimum temperatures are likely to stay between 16°C and 20°C.The brief spell of rain has provided relief from the early onset of summer heat and improved overall weather conditions in the city.The IMD has advised residents to take precautions and to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid waterlogged areas and trees, and drive carefully.

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday responded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s dig at him for choosing the Bharatiya Janata Party as an alliance partner rather than the Congress.Hours after Kharge’s address in Rajya Sabha, Deve Gowda wrote a letter saying that he was in a “forced marriage” with the grand old party but had to “divorce” them because it was an “abusive relationship.”“My dear and longtime friend, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, made a light-hearted comment in Parliament today about me having been in ‘love’ with them (Congress) but ‘married’ Modi Ji (BJP) eventually. He also said he did not know the reason as to why I did so. I was not in the House when Shri Kharge spoke, as I had to leave for Bengaluru to be present for tomorrow’s Ugadi celebrations,” the letter reads.“If I were to respond to my friend in the same language of marriage, I would like to say that I was in a ‘forced marriage’ with the Congress but had to ‘divorce’ them because it was an abusive relationship,” he added.Further, the former Prime Minister accused Congress of “dumping” his party in 2018 after offering the chief ministerial post of Karnataka to Deve Gowda’s son Kumaraswamy.“Shri Kharge will remember that in 2018 Congress sent Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and offered Shri Kumaraswamy the chief ministership. I did not consent to this. I said in everybody’s presence that Shri Kharge should be made Chief Minister. Shri Siddaramaiah was also there. However, Shri Azad insisted on Shri Kumaraswamy’s leadership. But after all this song, dance, and a wedding, what did they do in 2019? They dumped us,” he said.“How many Congress MLAs defected to the BJP and who sent them across is now common knowledge. If Congress had acted against the person who instigated defection that day, today my friend Shri Kharge would be in a better position as AICC President. So, to put the record straight, I did not desert the Congress alliance. It is they who walked away. They left me with no choice but to ‘divorce’ them and seek a more stable alliance,” he added.Earlier in the day, Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking during his farewell, said he had known Deve Gowda for over 54 years and had worked closely with him before the former PM’s party aligned with the BJP.“I know Deve Gowda ji for more than 54 years and I worked with him a lot. Later, I don’t know what happened… ‘Wo mohabbat humare saath kiye, shadi Modi sahab ke sath,’” Kharge said, drawing laughter from fellow MPs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Deve Gowda became Prime Minister in 1996 at the head of a United Front government backed by Congress, marking a key phase of cooperation. In Karnataka, his party, JD(S), later alternated between opposing and partnering Congress.Earlier in the day, PM Modi also addressed the House, thanking outgoing members for their contributions and echoing a similar sentiment.“There is no full stop in politics. The future is waiting for you,” the Prime Minister said, urging retiring MPs to continue contributing to public life. He also called on newly elected members to learn from senior leaders such as Deve Gowda, Kharge, and Sharad Pawar, noting their decades of parliamentary experience.PM Modi also singled out Ramdas Athawale for his wit, remarking that humour and satire in the House had diminished in recent years but remained alive through figures like him. Athawale is among 37 members completing their terms, alongside leaders including Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.The retirements follow elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with 26 candidates elected unopposed. Political developments in states such as Bihar, where opposition abstentions aided the NDA, have further reshaped the Upper House’s composition.