Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US national accused in a terror training case, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to cook his own meals inside Tihar Jail, claiming that the spicy and oily food served in prison has prevented him from eating properly for more than 50 days and has significantly affected his health.
VanDyke, who is currently in judicial custody after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) over allegations of involvement in a conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities against India, has requested permission to use basic cooking equipment and ingredients to prepare what his legal team describes as an "American-style diet."
According to the plea, VanDyke has lost nearly 14 kg since May 6 after surviving primarily on liquids, including soy milk, because he is unable to tolerate the meals provided in jail.
The application includes a detailed list of food items and kitchen equipment he wishes to use. VanDyke has sought permission to keep an induction stove, cooking pots, bowls and a plastic food chopper. He has also requested approval to receive 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.
His plea states that his family is willing to bear the entire cost of the arrangement.
His lawyers argue that the standard prison diet is excessively spicy, oily and deep-fried for someone unfamiliar with Indian cuisine. They claim this has resulted in severe physical discomfort, declining eyesight, loss of strength and weakened immunity.
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma on Thursday granted Tihar Jail authorities time to submit their response to the application.
The NIA has already informed the court that it does not intend to file a reply.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 21. Meanwhile, VanDyke's judicial custody has been extended until August 1.
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.
According to the investigating agency, the group illegally entered restricted areas in Mizoram, crossed into Myanmar and established contact with organisations linked to insurgent groups.
The NIA has alleged that they were part of a cross-border terror conspiracy involving the training of militants and facilitating the supply of weapons, including drones, to ethnic armed groups operating in both India and Myanmar.
VanDyke has denied all the allegations against him.
