A daycare facility operating within Capgemini's Brookefield campus in Bengaluru is currently under intense scrutiny after allegations of child abuse surfaced. Authorities have registered a criminal case against five women caregivers following the emergence of disturbing videos on social media.
The allegations detail a horrifying pattern of mistreatment involving toddlers aged approximately two to three years old. Parents, who left their children at the facility while at work, reported that their children were subjected to various forms of abuse, including being threatened, punished for crying, and intimidated.
Details of the Allegations
- Children were allegedly made to sit inside the drum of a front-loading washing machine.
- They were reportedly forced onto western-style toilets.
- Some children were sprayed with water in the mouth using a toilet jet spray.
- Toddlers were also allegedly locked inside bathrooms.
The incident came to light after the purported videos were shared and subsequently reported to the Child Helpline. An FIR was registered on June 29 at the HAL police station based on a complaint filed by Tilakesh Kumar, a legal-cum-probation officer with the district child protection unit. The case includes relevant provisions related to cruelty to children and criminal intimidation.
Investigation and Company Response
The five caregivers named in the FIR are Manjula, Vijayalakshmi, Bhavani, Sindhu, and Bindu. Police are actively recording statements from complainants, daycare staff, and other witnesses. Investigators are also working to verify the authenticity of the videos and determine the full extent of the abuse, including whether more children were affected. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, but the accused women are being questioned.
Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Whitefield Division, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and notices will be served for interrogation. The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken cognizance of the matter, seeking a report from authorities and planning an independent examination of the allegations.
In response to the serious allegations, Capgemini issued a statement confirming the temporary closure of its on-campus daycare facility. The company emphasized its commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of its employees' families and stated it is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to establish the facts.