BENGALURU, 24 JULY

A worm allegedly found in a serving of pongal at the Rameshwaram Cafe outlet in Kempegowda International Airport has sparked a wave of public anger and renewed scrutiny over food hygiene standards at airport eateries.

The incident came to light when a customer discovered the worm shortly after being served and began filming the interaction after staff reportedly tried to downplay the issue. The customer claimed that the staff only apologised and refunded the ₹300 bill after realising the incident was being recorded.

Footage of the episode has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and prompting calls for stricter food safety oversight in high-traffic public venues like airports.

In response, cafe co-owners Raghavendra Rao and Divya Rao questioned the authenticity of the complaint. Citing previous cases they described as staged attempts to tarnish the brand’s image, they suggested this incident could be an extortion attempt. They also noted that the absence of CCTV footage at the airport outlet complicates any investigation.

While staff at the outlet issued an immediate apology, a formal public statement from the brand is awaited. Airport authorities and food safety officials have yet to issue any comments.

The cafe’s management has filed a police complaint, alleging a conspiracy to defame the business.

The controversy has reignited debate over food quality enforcement, especially in high-profile locations, with public opinion sharply divided between consumer concerns and claims of targeted harassment by business owners.