US Terror Accused Matthew VanDyke Seeks Kitchen Setup in Tihar Jail After Hunger Strike
A US national accused in a terror conspiracy case has petitioned a Delhi court to allow him a personal kitchen-like setup and specialized food items inside Tihar Jail in New Delhi, claiming the standard prison diet forced him into a 50-day hunger strike.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, who has been held in Tihar Jail since April, submitted the application to Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma. He stated that his health has severely deteriorated because he is unable to eat the food provided by the prison.
According to the petition, VanDyke's hunger strike began on May 6, 2026. The applicant argued that as an American citizen, he is not accustomed to the predominantly spicy, oily, deep-fried, and greasy food served in the Indian prison system.
VanDyke's lawyer stated that the diet has caused the accused severe physical discomfort and adversely affected his overall health. The petition claims VanDyke has lost nearly 30 pounds (14 kg), developed vision problems due to a lack of nutrition, and suffered a substantial loss of strength and immunity.
To address these health concerns, VanDyke has requested permission to cook for himself. His petition asks for an induction cooker or stove, pots, bowls, a plastic chopper, and a supply of 19 specific food items. The requested supplies include soya milk, olive oil, pasta, uncooked noodles, shrimp, red meat, chicken, fish, lentils, potatoes, onions, bread, butter, and bottled water.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials originally arrested VanDyke at Kolkata airport on March 13. He and six Ukrainian nationals were arrested across three airports on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India, including supplying weapons and training banned insurgent groups.
Under the Delhi Prison Rules of 2018, Tihar Jail inmates are provided a prescribed diet and are not ordinarily permitted to have custom meals or outside food unless certified by a prison doctor for a medical condition, or allowed by a court order.
The Patiala House court has posted the matter for July 21, when Tihar Jail authorities are scheduled to file their response to VanDyke's petition.
