US national Matthew Aaron VanDyk, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the alleged Myanmar terror training case, has approached a Delhi court seeking permission to prepare his own food while lodged in Tihar Jail.

Through his lawyers, VanDyk argued that the meals served in prison are excessively spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy, making them unsuitable for his dietary habits and resulting in a serious decline in his health.

According to the plea, he has been unable to consume the prison food since early May, leading to an alleged weight loss of around 14 kilograms and what the application describes as a continuing hunger strike.The petition also claims that poor nutrition has caused weakness, reduced stamina, vision-related issues and lower immunity.

VanDyk has requested permission to use basic cooking equipment, including an induction stove and utensils, and has sought access to ingredients such as chicken, fish, red meat, lentils, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, butter, olive oil, milk, bottled water and seasonings.His family has offered to bear the cost of these supplies.

The matter was heard by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma, who issued notice to the jail authorities and the NIA, granting them time to respond before the next hearing scheduled for July 21.VanDyk remains in judicial custody until August 1.The NIA alleges that he and six Ukrainian nationals illegally entered Myanmar and provided drone warfare and combat training to armed groups.They have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the investigation is continuing.

VanDyk is also known internationally as a documentary filmmaker, former journalist and founder of Sons of Liberty International, with previous involvement in conflict zones including Libya, Syria and Ukraine.