The owners of Bengaluru-based Rameshwaram Cafe, Raghavendra Rao, his wife Divya Raghavendra Rao, and senior executive Sumanth Lakshminarayan, have reportedly been booked under multiple charges including selling noxious food, criminal conspiracy, and fabricating false evidence.

The FIR, registered on November 29 at the BIAL police station, follows a complaint by customer Nikhil N., who allegedly found a worm in his food at the cafe’s Kempegowda International Airport outlet on July 24 while preparing to board a flight to Guwahati.

Nikhil also accused the cafe of attempting to defame him by filing a false extortion case against him, which police have found baseless and are investigating both sides.

Incident Details and Background

On July 24, 2025, Nikhil ordered ven pongal and filter coffee from Rameshwaram Cafe at Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport. He alleges he found a worm, identified as a superworm, in the food and immediately informed staff.

Though the cafe offered to replace the dish, Nikhil declined due to his flight schedule. Other customers reportedly photographed the worm. The following day, media reports emerged that the cafe had filed a complaint accusing Nikhil of attempting to extort ₹25 lakh by threatening to defame the cafe.

Nikhil denied these claims, providing flight records that showed he was airborne at the alleged time and denied seeking any refund or extortion. Police confirmed no evidence of blackmail against him.

Legal Charges and Investigation Status

Following Nikhil’s counter-complaint alleging a serious food safety violation and wrongful abuse, an FIR was lodged against the cafe owners and their representative.

Charges registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita include criminal conspiracy, causing hurt by poisonous substances, providing false information to mislead authorities, fabricating false evidence, and selling adulterated or noxious food.

Police have summoned the accused for questioning and are actively investigating the case. The incident highlights critical concerns about food safety in public establishments, especially in busy transit hubs.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

This case underscores the importance of upholding strict food safety norms and delivering justice without prejudice. At The Logical Indian, we stress the need for clear, transparent investigations that protect consumer rights while ensuring fairness to businesses.

Promoting empathy and constructive dialogue between consumers and service providers is vital in fostering trust and harmony in our society.