Matthew VanDyke seeks ‘American diet’ in Tihar jail after 50-day hunger strike

New Delhi: US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an accused in an NIA case involving an alleged terror conspiracy linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to receive an “American-style diet” and prepare his own meals inside Tihar Jail.

VanDyke’s lawyers told the court that he has been unable to eat the food served in prison due to its “spicy, oily and deep-fried” nature and has been surviving mostly on liquids during his hunger strike for nearly 50 days.

VanDyke claims health deterioration after 50-day hunger strike

In his application filed through advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, VanDyke said he has not consumed regular prison meals since May 6 and has lost around 14 kg during the period.

The plea stated that his prolonged inability to consume proper food has caused a significant decline in his health, including weakness, reduced immunity and vision-related problems.

His lawyers told the court that VanDyke appeared physically weak during a previous hearing, was unable to stand properly and faced difficulty while addressing the court.

The application said he has largely survived on liquids, including juice and soy milk, during his hunger strike.

Seeks permission to cook own meals in jail

VanDyke has requested permission to prepare his own food inside Tihar Jail, saying his family is willing to bear all expenses.

His plea seeks permission to use basic cooking equipment, including an induction stove, pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper.

The food items requested include:

• Chicken and fish, including shrimp
• Red meat
• Lentils, rice and noodles
• Pasta and potatoes
• Onions, beans and vegetables
• Bread, butter and olive oil
• Toned milk and soy milk
• Bottled water and lemon pepper seasoning

His lawyers argued that the request was made purely on humanitarian grounds as he is not accustomed to the food normally served in Indian prisons.

Court grants time to jail authorities

The plea was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Court in New Delhi.

The court granted time to Tihar Jail authorities to respond, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it does not intend to submit a reply. VanDyke’s judicial custody has been extended until August 1.

What Is the NIA case against VanDyke?

VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13 at Delhi airport along with six Ukrainian nationals in connection with an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy.

The agency registered the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following directions from the Union Home Ministry.

According to the NIA, the accused entered India on tourist visas, travelled to Mizoram without required permits and later crossed into Myanmar, where they allegedly provided training in drone warfare, drone operations, assembly and jamming technology to Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups.

The agency has alleged that the activities belonged to a wider conspiracy affecting the national security of India. Investigators have said the probe involves examining electronic devices, financial transactions, funding sources and other possible links.

VanDyke has denied the allegations.

Who Is Matthew Aaron VanDyke?

Before his arrest in India, VanDyke was known as an American documentary filmmaker, founder of Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) and conflict-zone volunteer. SOLI is an organisation that says it trains local forces resisting authoritarian regimes.

He gained international attention after joining anti-Muammar Gaddafi rebels during Libya’s 2011 uprising, where he was captured and held prisoner for several months before escaping. His experiences were later documented in the award-winning film Point and Shoot.

Over the years, VanDyke was involved in training volunteer forces in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Iraq, through SOLI. His activities have drawn both support and criticism, with researchers describing the organisation as operating in a space between a humanitarian group and a private military organisation. SOLI has denied being a mercenary organisation.