US mercenary held in Tihar unhappy with spicy, oily food. He wants chicken, pasta

UPDATED: Jul 10, 2026 07:32 IST

Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US mercenary accused in a terror training case, has moved a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own meals inside Tihar Jail, arguing that the prison's spicy and oily food has left him unable to eat for over 50 days and caused a sharp decline in his health.

VanDyke, who is in judicial custody after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in a conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities against India, has approached the court seeking permission to use basic cooking equipment and ingredients to prepare what his lawyers describe as an "American-style diet."

His plea claims he has lost around 14 kg since May 6 after surviving largely on liquids, including soy milk, because he cannot tolerate the food served in prison.

The application contains an unusually detailed food list. VanDyke has sought permission to use an induction stove, along with pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper, besides being allowed to receive red meat, chicken, fish (including shrimp), lentils, uncooked 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, according to the plea.

His lawyers contend that the regular prison diet is excessively spicy, oily and deep-fried for someone unaccustomed to Indian food, and claim it has caused severe physical discomfort, deteriorating eyesight, loss of strength and reduced immunity.

Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma on Thursday granted Tihar Jail authorities time to file their response.

The NIA has already informed the court that it does not intend to file a reply.

The matter will now be heard on July 21, while VanDyke's judicial custody has been extended until August 1.

VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals after they allegedly entered India from Myanmar through Mizoram.

Investigators allege the group was involved in a wider terror conspiracy linked to ethnic armed groups operating in India and Myanmar, including providing drone training and other assistance.

He has denied the allegations.

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