Tihar food ‘too spicy, oily, deep-fried’: US mercenary seeks chicken, fish, olive oil in court plea (Image/X)
NEW DELHI: US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this year in the Myanmar terror training case, has moved a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own food in Tihar Jail, saying he is not accustomed to the meals served there.In his application, VanDyke told the court that the food provided in jail is ‘oily and spicy’, which has caused health problems and led to a deterioration in his physical condition. He also sought permission to be provided with food items so that he can cook his own meals.The plea came up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of the Patiala House Court on Thursday. The court granted time to the jail authorities to file their reply after issuing notice to them and the NIA. The matter has now been listed for hearing on July 21.VanDyke is currently lodged in Tihar Jail after being arrested by the NIA. His judicial custody has been extended till August 1.Represented by advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, VanDyke claimed that he has not eaten the food served in jail since May 6 and has lost around 14 kilograms.According to the application, he is a US citizen who is not accustomed to the diet generally served in Indian prisons, which he described as predominantly spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy. The plea stated that regular consumption of such food has caused severe physical discomfort and adversely affected his health. It claimed that despite wanting to maintain proper nutrition, he has been unable to eat the prison meals, resulting in what the application described as a continuing hunger strike.The application further alleged that his prolonged inability to consume the food provided in jail has led to a serious decline in his health. It said he has developed vision-related problems due to poor nutrition, suffered a significant loss of strength and stamina, and experienced weakened immunity, making him more vulnerable to infections.VanDyke has requested permission to use cooking items including an induction stove, pots, bowls and a plastic chopper. He has also sought access to food items such as lentils, chicken, red meat, fish, uncooked noodles and pasta, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soya milk, bottled water and vegetables. He also requested lemon pepper seasoning. The application said his family is willing to bear the cost of these items.VanDyke was arrested by the NIA in March along with six Ukrainian nationals in connection with the alleged Myanmar terror training case.The agency has accused the group of illegally crossing into Myanmar and providing drone warfare and combat training to armed groups. The accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the investigation is continuing.VanDyke is a US national known as a documentary filmmaker, former journalist and founder of the organisation Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), which has provided military training in conflict zones. He gained international attention after fighting alongside rebels during the 2011 Libyan civil war and has since been associated with several conflict regions, including Syria and Ukraine. His arrest by the NIA drew international attention because of his past involvement in global conflict zones.(with inputs from ANI)
