The order was passed after the court heard an application filed by VanDyke through his lawyers, Advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour. The plea sought permission for a special diet plan, arguing that his health had significantly declined because he was unable to consume the food ordinarily served in prison. During the hearing, the NIA and the Tihar Jail Superintendent submitted their responses to the application.
Appearing for VanDyke, his counsel argued that he had been unable to eat the prison diet because it was excessively spicy, oily, deep-fried, and greasy. The defence maintained that his medical condition required a different dietary plan and submitted that Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, also protects the dignity of every individual, including those held in judicial custody. The lawyers contended that preserving this dignity required allowing VanDyke access to food he was accustomed to eating and permitting him to prepare meals appropriate for his medical condition.
After considering the submissions and taking note of the accused's health condition, the court allowed the list of food items requested in the application, except for non-vegetarian items. The court also directed the jail authorities to provide a cook who would prepare meals according to VanDyke's dietary preferences.
VanDyke's application stated that he had been compelled to undertake a prolonged hunger strike because he was unable to consume the food available in Tihar Jail. The plea, filed before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Delhi's Patiala House Court, stated that VanDyke had remained on a hunger strike since May 6, 2026. According to the application, the prison diet had caused severe physical discomfort and had significantly affected his overall health.
The petition further claimed that he had lost nearly 14 kilograms, developed vision problems due to inadequate nutrition, and suffered a substantial decline in his strength, stamina, and immunity. It also stated that his family was willing to bear the full cost of food supplies, cooking equipment, and all related expenses.
Among the food items requested by VanDyke were lentils, pasta, uncooked noodles, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soy milk, bottled water, and spices. His application also sought permission to keep red meat, chicken, fish, and shrimp. However, while allowing the application, the court specifically excluded all non-vegetarian items from the approved list.
In addition to the special diet, the court directed the Jail Superintendent and the Medical Officer to ensure VanDyke's health and well-being while he remains in judicial custody. The prison authorities were also instructed to provide him with mosquito protection and an electric kettle.
VanDyke was arrested by the National Investigation Agency at Kolkata airport on March 13 along with six Ukrainian nationals. According to the agency, the group was part of a conspiracy linked to terrorist activities directed against India.
The NIA has alleged that the accused maintained links with organisations banned in India, supplied weapons and other terrorist hardware, and provided military training. Investigators further claimed that during questioning, the accused admitted to being in direct contact with armed militants carrying AK-47 rifles.
According to the investigation, a larger group comprising 14 Ukrainian nationals entered India separately on tourist visas before travelling to Guwahati and subsequently to Mizoram. The agency alleged that they illegally crossed into Myanmar without obtaining the required permits, where they conducted drone warfare training for ethnic armed organisations.
Investigators have also alleged that consignments of drones imported from Europe were routed through India into Myanmar for use by those armed groups. According to NIA sources, several ethnic armed organisations operating in Myanmar have established links with groups banned in India and are suspected of providing weapons, military training, and logistical support to Indian insurgent organisations.
The agency is examining whether the alleged network had operational links within India and how drone consignments were transported through Indian territory. Mobile phones seized from the accused are currently being analysed, while investigators continue to take the accused to different locations as part of the ongoing inquiry.
VanDyke and the other accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including charges related to criminal conspiracy.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke describes himself as a security analyst, war correspondent, and documentary filmmaker. He first gained international attention during Libya's civil war in 2011, when he joined rebel forces and was later imprisoned. Following the conflict, he founded Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), an organisation that states it provides military training and strategic advice to local armed groups operating in conflict zones.
The court's order marks a significant development in the high-profile terrorism case, balancing humanitarian and medical considerations with the continued judicial custody of an accused facing serious national security allegations. While the court granted limited relief concerning his health and dietary requirements, the NIA's investigation into the alleged international terror network and its suspected links to anti-India activities remains ongoing.
About The Author
Comment List