The controversy surrounding the Rameshwaram Café at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) has taken a dramatic twist. What began as a customer’s complaint about finding an insect in food has now turned into a legal battle, with the café’s owners and manager facing an FIR. The case, which started in July, has drawn widespread attention on social media and continues to unfold with new revelations.
The Incident:
On July 24, 2025, a youth named Nikhil and his friends were traveling to Guwahati. Before boarding their flight, they purchased pongal and coffee at the Rameshwaram Café inside the airport. Nikhil alleged that an insect was found in the pongal. He shared the incident on social media, sparking outrage among viewers. Later, he and his friends boarded their flight to Guwahati.
The Complaint and FIR:
Following the viral post, café manager Sumanth filed a complaint at the Airport Police Station, claiming that Nikhil had demanded ₹25 lakh in compensation. Based on this, an FIR was registered against the café’s owners Divya and Raghavendra Rao, along with manager Sumanth, on charges of defamation and filing a false complaint. The case was later transferred to the Vyalikaval Police Station for further investigation.
Investigation Findings:
Police investigations revealed a surprising twist. The alleged blackmail was not carried out by the customers who bought pongal, but by another youth who tried to take advantage of the incident. This contradicted the earlier FIR filed by the café management, which had accused the customers themselves of blackmail.
Evidence also showed that the phone number mentioned in the complaint did not belong to Nikhil or his friends. In fact, records confirmed that they were already on their flight at the time the alleged blackmail call was made. This discovery weakened the café’s claims and placed the management under scrutiny.
Impact on Café Owners:
The twist has left the café owners in a difficult position. Their attempt to file a case against the customers has now backfired, with police registering an FIR against them instead. The charges include defamation, false allegations, and misuse of legal process.
The café management had argued that the customers damaged their reputation and filed a case to control the situation. However, the investigation has shown that the real blackmail attempt came from another individual, not the original complainants.
Current Status:
The Airport Police and Vyalikaval Police are continuing their investigation. Authorities have confirmed that appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty. For now, the café owners and manager remain under legal pressure, facing charges related to the insect complaint and the subsequent FIR.
The Rameshwaram Café insect case has turned into a complex legal battle, shifting focus from food safety to allegations of defamation and false complaints. What started as a customer’s grievance has now escalated into a high-profile case, with the café owners themselves facing serious charges. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next chapter in this dramatic saga.
