Rameshwaram Cafe booked in Bengaluru over worm found in Ven Pongal

Bengaluru: The owners and a representative of Rameshwaram Cafe have been booked under multiple charges, including selling noxious food, criminal conspiracy, and fabricating false evidence, police said on Monday.

The FIR was filed following a complaint by Nikhil N, who alleged serious food safety violations at the cafe and claimed that a counter-complaint was filed against him to defame him. The case names the eatery’s owner Raghavendra Rao, his wife Divya Raghavendra Rao, and senior executive Sumanth Lakshminarayan. The complaint was registered at BIAL police station on November 29.

The incident occurred on July 24 at the Rameshwaram Cafe outlet in Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport. Nikhil had ordered Ven Pongal and filter coffee and allegedly discovered a worm in the food. Although staff offered to replace the dish, he refused due to his flight schedule. Other customers reportedly took photos of the worm before Nikhil left for his flight to Guwahati.

The next day, Nikhil learned through media reports that a case had been lodged against him, alleging he threatened the cafe’s reputation and demanded Rs 25 lakh. During the police investigation, Nikhil and his friends denied any such claims, and flight records confirmed he was airborne at the time cited in the cafe’s complaint. Police clarified that no evidence was found against him or his friends regarding blackmail or extortion.

Nikhil subsequently filed a counter-complaint, terming the incident a serious food-safety violation and accusing the cafe owners and representative of filing a false case to harass and defame him.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 61 (criminal conspiracy), 123 (causing hurt with poison or similar intent), 217 (false information with intent), 228 and 229 (fabricated false evidence), 274 (adulteration of food or drink for sale), and 275 (sale of noxious food or drink) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing.

The case highlights growing concerns over food safety at public eateries, particularly in high-traffic locations such as airports. Food contamination incidents like these pose serious health risks, potentially leading to gastrointestinal infections, allergic reactions, and long-term illnesses. Authorities stress that strict enforcement of food safety standards under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is essential to protect consumers.

In this instance, Bengaluru police have taken prompt action by filing an FIR against the cafe owners and their senior executive, while confirming that no wrongdoing was found on the part of the complainant, Nikhil. The incident underscores the importance of transparent reporting, timely investigation, and accountability in the food service industry.

(With PTI inputs)