United States mercenary Matthew VanDyke who was arrested by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March has moved a local court for permission to cook his own meals. He is lodged in Delhi’s high-security Tihar Jail and claimed that he is unable to consume the food available there as it is “too spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy” and has negatively impacted his health with gastrointestinal issues as well as resulted in “severe physical discomfort.”
Hence, VanDyke has been on a hunger-strike for over 50 days which has reportedly resulted in a major reduction in his strength, stamina and immunity along with vision problems triggered by malnutrition. According to his plea, he has lost about 14 kilograms since 6th May after subsisting mostly on liquids, such as soy milk as he is “not accustomed to the diet ordinarily served in Indian prisons.”
The CIA asset has petitioned the court for authorisation to make “American-style diet” for himself and sought a kitchen-like setup with tools and food supplies out of his own pocket. An exceptionally thorough list is included in the application which included red meat, chicken, fish (including shrimp), lentils, rice, pasta, noodles, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soy milk, bottled water, vegetables and lemon pepper seasoning. VanDyke asked for approval to employ an induction stove, pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper.
VanDyke’s family is willing to pay for all of his demands and associated costs. His attorney described the submission as humanitarian, arguing that it is only meant to protect his physical well-being while he is in prison. The application has been submitted before Patiala House Court Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma. The court has told Tihar Jail officials to present their response and scheduled a hearing for 21st July. The court has already been informed by the NIA that it will not be filing a reply.
Notably, large number of foreign nationals are housed at Tihar Jail. However, all inmates are required by law to eat food made in the kitchens of jails. Special dietary requirements are usually confined to medical exemptions accepted by jail doctors, with blander foods like boiled vegetables, lentils and rice.
VanDyke is under judicial custody due to his involvement in a plot to recruit and train anti-India elements to commit acts of terrorism against the country. He was nabbed alongside 6 Ukrainian citizens on 13th March after they entered Mizoram without valid permits and also reached Myanmar illegally. They made contact with banned organisations associated with militancy and provided them with weapons, including drones and other terrorist hardware along with training.
NIA informed that these foreigners acknowledged to be in direct touch with the militants brandishing AK-47 rifles during interrogation. The agency disclosed that a party of 14 Ukrainians travelled to Guwahati and then Mizoram after landing in India on tourist visas. They trained ethnic militias, entered Myanmar illicitly and helped supply drone consignments from Europe to networks connected to armed groups.
VanDyke and other perpetrators have been charged with criminal conspiracy and other offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as the matter remains under investigation.
