US national accused in terror case wants soy milk, pasta, shrimp in Tihar

A U.S. national accused in a terror case is asking a Delhi court to allow him an “American diet” in Tihar prison, claiming the food served there is too spicy, oily, and deep-fried for him to eat.

According to his plea, the man—Matthew Aaron VanDyke—has been on hunger strike for about 50 days, consuming mostly liquids such as soy milk. His lawyer argued that prison meals have caused “severe physical discomfort” and adversely affected his health, leaving him unable to tolerate regular meals.

The petition requests a kitchen-like set-up and a list of food items and supplies, including soya milk, olive oil, pasta, and shrimp, along with a stove and utensils so he can prepare his own meals. It also says he is not accustomed to the Indian prison diet.

The court has scheduled further proceedings, with Tihar prison authorities expected to respond to the application after earlier discussions about whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would file a reply.