**Title: US Mercenary Requests Special Diet in Indian Jail Amid Ongoing Investigation**
A US national, Matthew Aaron VanDyke, currently detained in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, has formally requested a Delhi court to allow him access to a range of special food items, citing health concerns related to the prison's standard meal offerings. VanDyke, who is awaiting trial, claims that the meals provided are "spicy and oily," which he asserts have negatively impacted his health.
VanDyke, along with six Ukrainian mercenaries, was arrested in March by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). The group is under investigation for allegedly engaging in unauthorized activities in India's northeastern regions and crossing into Myanmar without proper permits. Reports indicate that they were involved in providing combat and drone training to ethnic armed groups in the area, which have connections to armed rebels in India.
In his recent court filing, VanDyke expressed dissatisfaction with the prison food, stating that it has led him to initiate what he described as a "hunger strike." He has requested a variety of food items, including chicken, red meat, seafood, uncooked noodles, pasta, uncooked rice, potatoes, onions, beans, spices, vegetables, olive oil, toned milk, bread, butter, and bottled water. Additionally, he has asked for cooking facilities, including a stove, pots, and a plastic chopper, to prepare his own meals.
Under the regulations governing pre-trial detainees at Tihar Jail, inmates are provided with a fixed menu that includes specific quantities of cereals, pulses, and vegetables. Generally, inmates are not permitted to request food from outside or have meals tailored to their individual preferences. However, exceptions can be made if a medical professional certifies that a special diet is necessary due to health issues. In some cases, inmates may also receive home-cooked food under a court order.
VanDyke is the founder of Sons of Liberty International, an organization that specializes in providing military training in conflict zones. His past involvement in military engagements includes participation in the Libyan civil war in 2011, where he fought alongside rebel forces.
The ongoing investigation by the NIA continues to examine the activities of VanDyke and his associates, as authorities seek to understand the extent of their operations in the region. The case has garnered attention not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of the involvement of foreign nationals in activities linked to armed groups.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of VanDyke's request for special dietary provisions remains to be seen, alongside the broader implications of the NIA's investigation into the activities of the detained mercenaries.