'I can't eat Tihar jail food': Foreign national arrested after allegedly entering India through the Mizoram border wants pasta, olive oil instead; asks court to let him cook

An American national lodged in Tihar Jail has told a Delhi court he has not been able to eat the food served inside the prison since 6 May, describing it as too spicy, oily and deep-fried for him to consume. He says he has lost around 14 kilograms in the weeks since and is now seeking permission to cook his own meals inside the jail.

The man in question is Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US citizen who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in March this year along with six Ukrainian nationals, in connection with what the agency has described as an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy involving training militants and supplying weapons to armed groups in India and Myanmar. The group allegedly entered India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border.

VanDyke is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail, with his custody extended till 1 August.


What he told the court

The application, moved on what his lawyers described as humanitarian grounds, was heard before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Court. His advocates, Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, told the court that VanDyke has been surviving on a liquid diet of soya milk for nearly 50 days and that his health has deteriorated significantly as a result.

The plea described the regular prison diet as predominantly spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy, and said VanDyke, as a US citizen, is not accustomed to food of this kind. It said his prolonged inability to eat prison meals amounts to a continuing hunger strike, and that the nutritional deficiency has caused a serious decline in his physical condition.

According to the application, the extent of his deterioration was visible during a court appearance on 3 July, when VanDyke was reportedly unable to stand, appeared visibly frail, and had considerable difficulty addressing the court.

The plea also claimed he has developed vision problems linked to poor nutrition, and that his strength, stamina and immunity have all been affected.

What he has asked for

VanDyke's application seeks permission to use an induction stove, along with basic cooking items including pots, bowls and a plastic chopper. On the food side, his list includes lentils, chicken, red meat, fish, uncooked noodles, pasta, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soya milk, bottled water, vegetables and lemon pepper seasoning.

The plea noted that his family is willing to bear the full cost of all food and cooking arrangements.

He has also separately requested that jail authorities be directed to provide mosquito repellent or mosquito nets inside his cell.

Where the case stands

The court issued notice to both the jail authorities and the NIA, asking them to file their replies. The NIA told the court it does not intend to respond to the application. The jail superintendent has been given time to file a reply, and the matter is now listed for hearing on 21 July.

Who is VanDyke?

Matthew Aaron VanDyke is a US national known publicly as a documentary filmmaker, former journalist and founder of Sons of Liberty International, an organisation that has provided military training in conflict zones. He drew international attention after fighting alongside rebel forces during the 2011 Libyan civil war and has since been associated with conflict regions including Syria and Ukraine.

His arrest by the NIA earlier this year attracted considerable attention because of his history in global conflict zones. The agency has booked him and the six Ukrainian co-accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the investigation is continuing.

(With agency inputs)