US National Matthew VanDyke Alleges Custodial Assault in Tihar Jail

US national Matthew VanDyke reportedly sent a handwritten affidavit to the American embassy detailing alleged physical assault inside Delhi's Tihar jail. The communication occurred nearly two weeks before the National Investigation Agency filed a formal chargesheet against him and six Ukrainian co-accused. According to the accessed affidavit submitted in late August, VanDyke claimed he faced repeated assaults, including being punched in the chest, and was denied medical attention for nearly 24 hours. The NIA had initially arrested the foreign nationals for allegedly crossing into Myanmar to train armed groups. VanDyke warned US embassy officials that he would approach the media and courts if he found the NIA chargesheet unsatisfactory. The matter remains under ongoing judicial review as official investigations and legal proceedings continue.