'Dear PM Modi, imagine being served cockroaches': Congress MP Manickam Tagore after insects found in Vande Bharat meal

Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized the inadequate response to repeated food safety issues on the Vande Bharat Express. This follows reports of insects and cockroaches found in passenger meals, prompting a fine of Rs 50,000 for the catering contractor. Tagore demanded stricter action and systemic reforms to ensure passenger safety and dignity.

NEW DELHI: Congress MP on Sunday raised concerns over the deteriorating quality of food being served in Vande Bharat express after passengers complained of insects and cockroaches being found in meals. Calling out on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the Vande Bharat express, Manickam Tagore questioned IRCTC's fine of "mere Rs 50,000" and demanded 'strict action & systemic reforms." "Dear @narendramodi ji, imagine being served cockroaches & insects in your meals repeatedly 8 months.

Will a mere Rs 50,000 fine suffice to ensure accountability? Strict action & systemic reforms are overdue for passenger safety & dignity," Manickam Tagore B said in a post on X. Post complaints from passengers, the Tirunelveli - Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express's food sample was found to be contaminated, the IRCTC response said. "For this negligence, a penalty of Rs.

50,000 has been imposed on the contractor Ms Brindavan Food products, and further action is being pursued. The Railway is conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, considering all possibilities regarding the source of the contamination," it said. In October, director-actor R Parthiban raised concerns about the poor food quality on the Vande Bharat train.

In response, the Salem divisional railway manager issued an apology and promised action against the caterer responsible..