A 19-year-old youth has filed a formal police complaint against a restaurant located inside Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), alleging he discovered a worm in the food served to him five months ago. He has also accused the establishment of falsely implicating him in an extortion case following the incident.
The Disturbing Discovery at the Airport Café
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on July 24 when the youth and his friends were travelling from Bengaluru to Guwahati. They stopped at the airport café for breakfast, where he ordered pongal and coffee. It was during this meal that he reportedly found a worm in the food. He immediately alerted the café staff, who offered to replace the dish. However, the young man declined the offer and proceeded to his flight without causing any further disturbance. Other customers present at the time captured videos and photographs of the incident.
From Food Complaint to Extortion Allegation
The situation took a dramatic turn the very next day. The café management lodged a police complaint alleging that the youth had demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh. The 19-year-old claims he only learned about this serious extortion allegation against him through subsequent news reports. He maintains his innocence, stating he was already onboard his flight at the time mentioned in the restaurant's accusation. He has firmly denied ever demanding money or having any connection to the phone numbers cited in the café's complaint.
Back in July, the restaurant had dismissed the 'worm-in-the-food' allegation, calling it a staged act with malicious intent to extort money and tarnish the brand's reputation.
Police Investigation and Current Case Status
The police investigation has taken a significant turn. Authorities have stated they found no evidence to support the claim that the youth attempted extortion. Following the young man's formal complaint, the police have now registered a case against the restaurant's staff and management. The charges filed are serious and include sections for food adulteration, providing false evidence, criminal conspiracy, and causing harm.
This case highlights critical concerns regarding food safety standards at high-traffic transit hubs and the potential repercussions for consumers who raise complaints. The legal process is now underway to determine the facts of the matter that began with a troubling breakfast at Bengaluru's international airport.
