Matthew Aaron VanDyke, an American citizen arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror case, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own food inside Tihar Jail. In his plea, VanDyke stated that the food served in the jail is too spicy and harmful for his health. The accused further claimed that he has held multiple hunger strikes, leading to severe weight loss in a short span of time.
'Lost 30 Pounds Recently'
In his application before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Patiala House Court, VanDyke stated that he has not consumed food after May 6. The accused, in his plea, claimed that he has lost nearly 30 pounds in the past few weeks, adding that the poor nutrition has also affected his vision, strength, and stamina. VanDyke asserted that being a US citizen, he is not accustomed to the diet served in the Indian prisons.
While citing humanitarian grounds, his lawyer stated that the request is to safeguard VanDyke's health while he remains in judicial custody. He further asserted that the accused's family is ready to bear the cost of food, equipment, and other related expenses.
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VanDyke Seeks Permission To Cook Food
The court, upon listening to his plea, has sought a response from the Tihar jail administration and has listed the matter for hearing on July 11. In his plea, VanDyke has sought permission to cook several items, including lentils, red meat, chicken, fish (shrimp), pasta, uncooked noodles, and rice.
Apart from this, he has also urged the court to arrange other related items such as potatoes, onions, beans, spices, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soya milk, bottled water, an induction cooker, pots, bowls, and a plastic chopper.
Earlier on March 13, the NIA had arrested VanDyke along with six Ukrainians, accusing them of being part of a conspiracy to carry out terror activities in India.