US Terror Accused Tells Delhi Court: ‘Tihar Jail Food Too Spicy’, Seeks Permission to Cook His Own Meals
A Delhi court sought Tihar Jail's response after US national and NIA terror accused Matthew VanDyke sought permission to cook his own meals, citing a prolonged hunger strike over the prison diet
A US national arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in an alleged terror conspiracy case has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own meals inside Tihar Jail, claiming he has been unable to consume the prison food and has remained on a hunger strike for more than 50 days.
The application was filed by Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an American mercenary currently lodged in Tihar Jail, before Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Courts.
In his plea, VanDyke claimed that he has been on a hunger strike since May 6, 2026, as he is unable to eat the "spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy" food served in prison. He argued that, as an American citizen, he is not accustomed to the diet ordinarily provided in Indian jails.
Through his counsel, VanDyke described the request as a humanitarian one, stating that his health has deteriorated significantly during his incarceration. He claimed to have lost nearly 30 pounds (approximately 14 kilograms) and alleged that inadequate nutrition has caused vision problems, reduced immunity and a decline in his physical strength and stamina.
The application sought permission to prepare his own food at his own expense using an induction cooker and basic cooking utensils. VanDyke also requested permission to keep food items including lentils, chicken, red meat, shrimp, pasta, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soya milk and bottled water. According to the plea, his family is willing to bear all related expenses.
The court has issued notice to the Tihar Jail authorities and sought their response. The matter has been listed for hearing on July 21.
VanDyke was arrested by the NIA at Kolkata airport on March 13, along with six Ukrainian nationals, in connection with an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy.
According to the agency, the accused maintained links with banned Indian insurgent groups, supplied weapons and other terrorist hardware, and provided training to armed organisations operating in Myanmar. The NIA has alleged that the accused facilitated the supply of drone consignments from Europe to insurgent-linked networks and remained in contact with armed militants carrying assault rifles.
VanDyke and the co-accused have been booked under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including criminal conspiracy, and the investigation remains underway.
Bench: ASJ Prashant Sharma