Rajdhani Express in Ranchi. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, May 12: Around 30 passengers of Ranchi-bound Rajdhani Express (12440) fell ill yesterday after consuming what they allege was bad food served by the train’s catering staff for dinner.

The passengers of coaches A-1, A-2 and H-1, who were served a portion of rice, dal, chapatti, mixed vegetables (cauliflower and potato), salad, paneer curry and pickle, all complained of stomach pain, uneasiness and vomiting.

JMM MP from Palamau, Kameshwar Baitha, who was onboard coach H-1 of the train, today told The Telegraph, that food was served to the passengers around 9pm by the pantry staff.

“I had my food at Kanpur and started feeling sick within five minutes,” he said.

He, however, lauded the role of the coach attendant, who he said provided all necessary help.

“On being informed, the coach attendant immediately provided medicines, that were stocked onboard the train, to all the passengers. He also halted the train at Mughalsarai station around 1am today morning and ensured that all the passengers received medical attention,” Baitha said.

He added that he had raised the issue with Ranchi divisional manager of South Eastern Railway G. Malya, who had expressed concern over the incident and assured a probe.

Senior divisional commercial manager of Ranchi and spokesperson for South Eastern Railway, K.S. Mukherjee suspected food poisoning.

“Majority of those who fell ill were children. We suspect that there might be something wrong with the paneer dish that was prepared on the train,” he said.

Prodded about the actions being taken by the railways, he added that the assistant manager and the manager of the train’s pantry car had been detained by the GRP at Allahabad station for questioning.