Delhi Court Grants Special Diet and Cooking Facilities to US Terror Accused in Tihar Jail

A special NIA court in Delhi has partially allowed the plea of American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, currently lodged in Tihar Jail on terror-related charges, granting him access to a special diet and cooking facilities. VanDyke, who claimed he lost 14 kg during a hunger strike due to the prison's spicy and oily food, is now permitted to receive items like pasta, soy milk, and lentils. The court also allowed an electric kettle and a designated cook to prepare meals according to his preferences, provided no non-vegetarian items are served, with his family bearing the costs.

Jul 21, 2026 - 15:16

Delhi Court Grants Special Diet and Cooking Facilities to US Terror Accused in Tihar Jail

The exterior facade of Tihar Jail complex in New Delhi with high security walls

NEW DELHI — A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Delhi has granted permission to American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke to receive a customized diet and specific cooking facilities inside Tihar Jail. VanDyke is currently in judicial custody facing terrorism-related charges involving an alleged Myanmar terror training module.

The court's decision, driven by humanitarian and medical considerations, followed VanDyke's prolonged hunger strike, which began on May 6, 2026. In his plea, he stated that the standard prison food was excessively oily, spicy, and greasy, making it impossible for him to consume.

Hunger Strike and Health Decline

The petition, filed through his legal counsel, highlighted a severe deterioration in the American inmate's health. VanDyke claimed that his inability to eat the jail's regular meals resulted in severe physical discomfort and compromised immunity.

According to the submissions made to the court, the nutritional deficiency led to a massive weight loss of approximately 14 kilograms (30 pounds). Furthermore, the lack of proper nutrition reportedly caused vision-related issues and a significant drop in his overall strength and stamina, making him susceptible to infections.

Court-Approved Dietary Allowances

Addressing the humanitarian concerns, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma directed the jail authorities to ensure VanDyke's health and well-being. While the court explicitly excluded all non-vegetarian items from his request, it permitted several alternative arrangements:

Allowed Food Items: VanDyke is permitted to receive specific ingredients such as pasta, soy milk, lentils, and other basic vegetarian items.
Cooking Appliances: The court directed authorities to provide him with an electric kettle.
Designated Cook: A cook will be provided to prepare meals tailored to his dietary preferences in the presence of jail officials.
Mosquito Safeguards: Authorities were also instructed to provide adequate mosquito protection.

All costs associated with the proposed dietary arrangement, the utensils, and the food supplies will be entirely borne by VanDyke's family.

Background of the Arrest

VanDyke was arrested by the NIA at the Kolkata airport on March 13, 2026, alongside six Ukrainian nationals. The investigating agency alleges that the group entered India on tourist visas and was part of a larger conspiracy to conduct terrorist activities.

They are accused of unlawfully moving into Myanmar, establishing links with banned insurgent groups, supplying terrorist hardware, and providing combat training. The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the investigation remains ongoing.