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Man claims worm found in food, Rameshwaram Cafe calls it staged extortion attempt

Man claims worm found in food, Rameshwaram Cafe calls it staged extortion attempt

India Today5 days ago
A customer who bought pongal from the Rameshwaram Cafe at its Bengaluru airport outlet, claimed he found a worm in the food. However, the popular restaurant chain has strongly denied the allegation, filing a police complaint alleging blackmail and extortion.According to the cafe, a group of 5-7 people staged the incident on the morning of July 24, falsely alleging that an insect was found in a serving of pongal. The cafe claims the group created a public scene and then threatened to circulate the video on social media unless they were paid Rs 25 lakh in cash.advertisementThe cafe Bengaluru division head, Sumanth, has lodged an FIR at the Airport Police Station, alleging an attempt to malign the brand. The complaint states that the demand for money was made via a phone call and that the caller instructed that the cash be delivered to Brigade Road.
In a press note, Divya Raghav, founder of The Rameshwaram Cafe, categorically denied the allegation of food contamination. 'The safety and hygiene of our food preparation are non-negotiable. We operate under the strictest quality protocols, especially at sensitive locations like airports,' she said.The cafe further alleged that this was not an isolated attempt. 'There have been similar instances in the past where individuals were caught red-handed trying to plant insects or stones in food,' Divya added.The restaurant has submitted call records, screenshots, and other evidence to support its complaint and says it is cooperating fully with police.The incident first came to light after a customer named Lokanath claimed he found an insect in his food. He shared a video showing the insect in a plate of pongal and said the staff folded their hands and apologised.Police are now investigating both the blackmail complaint and the viral video incident.- Ends
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