Capgemini has announced the temporary closure of its on-campus daycare facility in Bengaluru following the circulation of distressing videos that appear to show toddlers being subjected to abuse. The decision comes amidst widespread public outrage and an active police investigation into the allegations.
Capgemini's Immediate Response
In a statement issued by the company, Capgemini emphasized that the health, safety, and well-being of its employees and their families remain its "foremost priority." The technology giant confirmed it is fully cooperating with relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incidents. The closure of the Bengaluru daycare facility is described as a precautionary measure.
Disturbing Allegations Lead to Police Action
The alleged abuse came to light after videos, reportedly circulating on WhatsApp, depicted disturbing scenes involving children as young as two years old. According to complaints, caregivers at the facility were seen engaging in various forms of mistreatment. These included allegedly locking crying toddlers in bathrooms, spraying water into their mouths with jet sprays, forcing them to sit inside washing machine drums, and placing them on Western-style toilets.
Based on a complaint from a child protection officer, Tilakesh Kumar, the HAL Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) on June 29. Five caregivers—Manjula, Vijayalakshmi, Bhavani, Sindhu, and Bindu—have been booked under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. The children involved had reportedly been left at the daycare by their working parents.
Broader Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently investigating whether these incidents were isolated occurrences or part of a pattern of repeated mistreatment. It remains unclear at this stage whether the daycare facility was directly operated by Capgemini or managed by an external service provider on its premises.
In addition to the police inquiry, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken cognizance of the matter. The commission is expected to request a detailed report from the authorities and conduct its own independent examination of the serious allegations, ensuring a comprehensive review of the facility's operations and the welfare of the children.