Special diet request: Matthew VanDyke seeks permission to prepare his own meals in Tihar Jail, saying standard prison food is too spicy and oily for him.
Health deterioration: On a 50-day hunger strike, he claims to have lost 14 kg, developed vision issues, and suffered reduced strength and immunity.
Court proceedings: The court has listed the matter for July 21 after directing Tihar Jail to respond; the NIA will not file a reply.
VanDyke’s request for self-cooked meals
Matthew Aaron VanDyke has moved a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own food in Tihar Jail, arguing the meals served there are too spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy for him. His plea asks for induction cooking equipment and ingredients such as chicken, red meat, shrimp, pasta, olive oil, lentils, and toned milk, with all costs to be borne by his family. His lawyers emphasised the request is on humanitarian grounds to protect his health while in custody. Hindustan Times + 4
Category
Requested Items
Purpose / Notes
Protein
Chicken, Red meat, Fish (Shrimp), Lentils
To maintain adequate nutrition and protein intake during hunger strike
Carbohydrates
Pasta, Uncooked noodles, Rice, Bread, Potatoes, Beans
To provide energy and substitute for regular prison meals
Dairy & Alternatives
Toned milk, Soy milk, Butter
To supplement nutrition and accommodate dietary habits
Fats & Oils
Olive oil
For cooking and maintaining dietary fat intake
Cooking Equipment
Induction cooker/stove, Pots, Bowls, Plastic chopper
To prepare meals independently within jail cell
Beverages & Water
Bottled water
Hydration and liquid intake during hunger strike
Spices & Seasoning
Lemon pepper spice, other spices
To make meals palatable according to personal taste
Impact of hunger strike on health
According to his counsel, VanDyke has been on a hunger strike since May 6, surviving mainly on soy milk and other liquids, and has lost around 14 kg. His application states this has led to visible frailty, difficulty standing in court, reduced stamina, weakened immunity, and vision problems due to inadequate nutrition. The plea contends these health issues stem from his inability to consume the regular prison diet. ThePrint + 4
Details of NIA’s terror case
The NIA arrested VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals in March, alleging they entered Mizoram without permits before crossing into Myanmar to train ethnic armed groups in drone warfare, operations, and jamming technology. Investigators claim these activities form part of a wider conspiracy involving insurgent networks in India and Myanmar, with charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The investigation includes analysis of seized devices, financial tracking, and voice sample collection. Live Mint + 2
Court’s next steps and custody status
Special Judge Prashant Sharma has granted Tihar Jail authorities time to reply to VanDyke’s plea, with a hearing scheduled for July 21. The NIA has opted not to respond to the diet request. VanDyke’s judicial custody has been extended until August 1 as the investigation continues. The Times of India .
