Tihar Food ‘Too Spicy, Oily’: US Mercenary Matthew Aaron VanDyke Seeks Chicken, Fish, Shrimp in Court Plea
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US mercenary accused in a terror training case, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own meals inside Tihar Jail, claiming the prison's spicy and oily food has left him unable to eat for over 50 days and caused a serious decline in his health.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US mercenary accused in a terror training case, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own meals inside Tihar Jail, claiming the prison's spicy and oily food has left him unable to eat for over 50 days and caused a serious decline in his health.
Why VanDyke Wants To Cook His Own Meals
VanDyke, currently in judicial custody after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency, has asked the court to let him use basic cooking equipment and ingredients to prepare what his lawyers describe as an American style diet. His plea states that he has lost around 14 kg since May 6 after surviving largely on liquids, including soy milk, because he could not tolerate the food served in the jail. Myanmar Training Module Case: Five Ukrainians, US National Consent to Voice Samples; Judicial Custody Extended.
His lawyers argue that the regular prison diet is excessively spicy, oily and deep fried for someone unaccustomed to Indian food. They claim it has caused severe physical discomfort, deteriorating eyesight, loss of strength and reduced immunity.
The Detailed Food and Equipment List
The application includes a specific list of items VanDyke has requested. He has sought permission to use an induction stove, along with pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper. NIA Moves Delhi Court for Voice Samples of US Citizen, 6 Ukrainians in Alleged Myanmar Training Module Case.
On the food side, the request includes red meat, chicken, fish including shrimp, lentils, rice, pasta, noodles, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soy milk, bottled water, vegetables and lemon pepper seasoning. His family has offered to bear the entire cost of the arrangement, according to the plea.
Court Proceedings So Far
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma on Thursday granted Tihar Jail authorities time to file their response to the application. The NIA has already informed the court that it does not intend to file a reply of its own.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard next on July 21. VanDyke's judicial custody has separately been extended until August 1.
Background On The Case
VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals after the group allegedly entered India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border. Investigators allege the group illegally accessed restricted areas in Mizoram, crossed into Myanmar, and made contact with insurgent linked organisations.
The NIA has alleged the group was part of a cross border terror conspiracy involving the training of militants and the supply of weapons, including drones, to ethnic armed groups operating in India and Myanmar. VanDyke has denied all the allegations against him.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 10:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
