'Surviving On Soy Milk': Food 'Too Spicy, Too Oily', US Mercenary Wants Pasta, Olive Oil In Tihar

Published 10 July 2026 · local

'Surviving On Soy Milk': Food 'Too Spicy, Too Oily', US Mercenary Wants Pasta, Olive Oil In Tihar Written By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 07:49

'Surviving On Soy Milk': Food 'Too Spicy, Too Oily', US Mercenary Wants Pasta, Olive Oil In Tihar Written By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 07:49 IST Matthew Aaron VanDyke has also sought permission to use an induction cooker, cooking pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper to prepare his meals Rapid Read Matthew Aaron VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13. Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an American national arrested by the Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly working as a mercenary and providing military training to insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar border, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own meals inside Tihar Jail. In his plea, VanDyke claimed the prison food is too “spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy" for him, forcing him to remain on a prolonged hunger strike. VanDyke, who is currently in judicial custody, has sought permission to keep cooking equipment and food supplies inside the prison, arguing that the standard jail diet is incompatible with his dietary habits and has severely affected his health.

According to his plea filed before a Delhi court, VanDyke has been on a hunger strike since May 6 and has survived largely on liquids such as soy milk because he is unable to consume the meals served in jail. His lawyers claim he has lost nearly 30 pounds (around 14 kg), is experiencing vision problems due to poor nutrition, and has suffered a sharp decline in strength, stamina and immunity. Calling it a humanitarian request, his counsel urged the court to allow him to prepare his own meals at his family’s expense. The application says his family is willing to provide all groceries, utensils and cooking equipment required, without any cost to prison authorities. The plea includes a detailed list of food items VanDyke wants to keep in jail, including chicken, red meat, fish, shrimp, pasta, uncooked noodles, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, lentils, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soy milk, bottled water and spices.

He has also sought permission to use an induction cooker, cooking pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper to prepare his meals. His lawyers argued that, as an American citizen, he is unaccustomed to the food typically served in Indian prisons and that continuing on the existing diet poses serious health concerns. They also requested a continuous supply of soy milk while the matter remains pending before the court. The NIA informed the court that it would not file a response to the application, following which the judge directed Tihar Jail authorities to submit their reply. The matter has been listed for hearing on July 21. VanDyke was arrested by the NIA on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals after they allegedly entered India from Myanmar through the Mizoram border. Investigators allege the group functioned as mercenaries and were involved in a wider terror conspiracy, including providing drone training and assistance to ethnic armed groups operating in India and Myanmar.