A shocking case of alleged child abuse at a daycare centre operating inside a Capgemini campus in Bengaluru has triggered widespread outrage after disturbing videos surfaced on social media. The videos allegedly show toddlers being subjected to cruel treatment by caregivers, prompting police to register a case against five women employed at the facility.
The incident has reignited concerns over child safety standards in corporate daycare centres across India.
FIR Registered Against Five Caregivers
The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR against five caregivers identified as Manjula, Vijayalakshmi, Bhavani, Sindhu, and Bindu. The case was registered at the HAL Police Station following a complaint lodged by the District Child Protection Unit.
The complaint was filed after videos reportedly showing children being mistreated began circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Authorities have invoked provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, along with sections related to cruelty towards children and criminal intimidation.
Disturbing Allegations Emerge
According to the complaint, children between two and three years of age were allegedly subjected to inhuman punishment whenever they cried.
The allegations include:
- Toddlers allegedly being forced to sit inside the drum of a front-loading washing machine.
- Children reportedly locked inside bathrooms as punishment.
- Water allegedly sprayed directly into children’s mouths using a toilet jet spray.
- Young children allegedly confined in narrow, water-filled spaces to frighten them.
- Physical assault and mental harassment by caregivers.
Investigators have clarified that these allegations are based on the complaint and the videos currently under examination. Their authenticity and the complete sequence of events are still being verified.
Capgemini Shuts Daycare Facility
Following the emergence of the videos, Capgemini announced the temporary closure of the daycare centre operating inside its Brookefield campus.
In an official statement, the company said the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees and their families remain its highest priority. It also confirmed that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies and has launched an internal inquiry into the incident.
Authorities are also examining whether the daycare was directly managed by Capgemini or operated by an external childcare service provider.
Police Investigation Underway
Investigators are currently focusing on several aspects of the case, including:
- Authenticating the viral videos.
- Determining whether the abuse was isolated or part of a recurring pattern.
- Recording statements from parents, caregivers, daycare management, and company officials.
- Verifying whether the facility complied with childcare regulations and safety standards.
- Identifying if more children may have been victims of similar treatment.
Officials have indicated that further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Child Rights Authorities Step In
The matter has also been brought before the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. In addition, the case has been reported through India’s Child Helpline to ensure appropriate child welfare measures are taken.
Officials say the age of the victims and the seriousness of the allegations require immediate attention and a thorough investigation.
Growing Concerns Over Corporate Daycare Safety
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety and oversight in workplace daycare centres, which many working parents depend upon while they are at work.
Child welfare experts believe such incidents highlight the need for stricter monitoring, regular inspections, comprehensive staff training, police verification of caregivers, CCTV surveillance, and stronger reporting mechanisms to ensure children’s safety.
Experts also recommend maintaining appropriate caregiver-to-child ratios and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse.
Investigation Continues
Police have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. The accused caregivers are expected to be questioned, while officials continue reviewing evidence and assessing whether all mandatory childcare regulations were followed at the facility.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid drawing final conclusions until the investigation is completed. The allegations contained in the complaint are yet to be established in a court of law.
