'Tihar food is too spicy': US terror accused seeks court's nod to cook his own meals
New Delhi/IBNS: An American national arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror case has moved a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own food, claiming the meals served at Tihar Jail are too spicy and oily, media reports said.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a mercenary, has claimed he has been unable to consume the prison food and has been on a hunger strike for more than 50 days.
In his plea, VanDyke sought permission to set up a kitchen-like arrangement inside the jail so that he can prepare his own meals at his own expense.
"The Applicant/Accused... has been constrained to remain on a hunger strike since 06.05.2026," his petition stated, as quoted by NDTV.
Through his lawyer, VanDyke alleged that the prison diet has adversely affected his health. He claimed to have developed multiple health issues, including reduced vision due to nutrient deficiency, and said his strength and stamina had deteriorated.
The Delhi court has sought a response from the Tihar Jail authorities. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 21.
Background of the case
VanDyke was arrested by the NIA in March 2026 as part of an investigation into alleged cross-border militant training activities linked to Myanmar.
According to the agency, he was arrested in Kolkata on March 13, 2026, along with six Ukrainian nationals.
The NIA has alleged that the group entered India on tourist visas, travelled through northeastern states, including Mizoram, and illegally crossed into Myanmar.
Investigators further alleged that the accused trained Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups in the use of drones and other military tactics. Some of these groups are alleged to have links with insurgent organisations operating in India's Northeast.
The agency has also alleged that the group facilitated the procurement and movement of drone equipment from Europe for use in the conflict zone.
VanDyke and the other accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other relevant provisions for alleged terrorist conspiracy and illegal cross-border activities. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been adjudicated in court.
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