The popular Bengaluru-based Rameshwaram Café has landed in a serious controversy after a young traveller reported that he found a worm in his pongal at the brand’s airport outlet. What began as a simple food complaint has now turned into a complicated legal battle involving allegations of food adulteration, false accusations and an alleged ₹25 lakh extortion attempt. The case has triggered wide public interest, stirred debates on food safety and raised concerns about brand accountability in high-traffic locations like airports.
A Breakfast Incident That Sparked a Storm
The issue began on the morning of 24 July when a 19-year-old boy visited the café’s outlet at Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 1. He ordered pongal and coffee, expecting a regular meal before boarding his flight. However, he claims he found a large worm in the food. Shocked and disgusted, he alerted the staff immediately. He refused the replacement dish because he was already running late for his flight. People present at the café recorded photos and videos, which soon spread across social media.
The next morning, the customer woke up to reports that the café had accused him of demanding ₹25 lakh. According to those reports, the teenager had blackmailed the café and threatened to damage its reputation. The customer denied the allegation completely. To support his claim, he submitted his boarding pass and explained that he was already in the air at the time the alleged extortion call was made. He insisted that he never contacted the café and never asked for any money. His statements transformed the case into a public puzzle.
Café Counters with Its Own Version
Rameshwaram Café responded strongly to the allegations. According to the management, the worm incident was not an accident but a planned setup. They claimed that a group of five to seven individuals created a disturbance at the outlet, made videos and demanded money to keep the content from spreading. The team stated that they have seen similar attempts in the past to defame the brand. They insisted that their hygiene standards are strict and regularly monitored, especially in sensitive locations like airports.
The co-founders maintained that they operate at high standards and do not compromise on quality. They said they would fully cooperate with the authorities and would not give in to what they described as pressure tactics. Their firm response added a new layer to the already confusing narrative.
Police Launch Formal Investigation
As both sides continued to present opposite versions, the police stepped in. An FIR was registered based on the customer’s complaint. The case named the café’s owner, his wife and a senior executive. The charges included serving unsafe food, criminal conspiracy, fabricating evidence and giving misleading information to authorities. The police began examining CCTV footage, call records, flight data and statements from witnesses. Their aim is to determine whether the café served contaminated food or whether the customer was wrongfully accused of extortion.
The case has now turned into a major legal matter. Both sides maintain that they are telling the truth. Investigators are working to piece together the timeline and establish what actually happened.
A Case That Raises Bigger Questions
The controversy highlights the importance of food safety and transparency in public-serving businesses. If the customer’s complaint is genuine, it raises serious concerns about hygiene practices in popular food chains. If the extortion claim is proven false, it shows how businesses can be unfairly targeted. For customers, the case is a reminder to stay alert and report issues responsibly. For businesses, it shows the need for strong quality checks and clear documentation.
As the investigation continues, people are eagerly waiting for clarity. The outcome will influence how food safety complaints are handled in the future and how brands respond to sudden public allegations. For now, the city is watching closely as the truth slowly unfolds.