Police in Bengaluru have launched an investigation after disturbing videos allegedly showed a young child being abused inside a daycare centre on the HAL campus of global IT company Capgemini.
The case involves a child aged between two and three years.
Authorities registered a case against five female caregivers after verifying the daycare centre and reviewing videos that surfaced on June 29.
One video allegedly shows the child locked inside a toilet. The child lies on the floor and cries uncontrollably while a woman records the incident.
Another clip appears to show a caregiver making the child sit on a toilet seat. She then sprays water on the child’s face with a toilet jet.
A third video allegedly shows the child sitting inside the drum of a front load washing machine. The child appears frightened and continues crying.
Police have not confirmed whether other children also suffered abuse. Investigators are examining the videos and questioning the caregivers.
Company closes daycare as inquiry expands
Deputy Commissioner of Police Saidulu Adavath said the children enrolled at the centre belong to professionals working on the campus.
“The children enrolled at the daycare belong to professionals working on the campus, who leave them there during work hours,” he said.
He described the alleged treatment as extremely serious.
Investigators are also trying to determine who managed the daycare. They are examining whether Capgemini operated the facility directly or hired an outside agency.
Police have questioned all five caregivers. However, officers have not made any arrests so far.
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also taken cognisance of the case. It will seek a detailed report and conduct its own inquiry.
Capgemini said employee safety and family wellbeing remain its highest priorities.
The company added that it is fully cooperating with investigators. It has also temporarily closed the on campus daycare centre as a precaution.
Capgemini is headquartered in Paris. It operates in more than 50 countries and employs around 350,000 people worldwide. The company has major offices in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Gurugram, Noida and Kolkata.
Experts urge parents to stay alert
The incident has renewed concerns about childcare safety at workplace daycare centres.
Many companies provide daycare facilities so employees can leave young children nearby during working hours.
Child welfare experts advise parents to make unannounced visits whenever possible. They also recommend speaking with children regularly about their daily experiences.
Parents should maintain close contact with caregivers. They should also review CCTV footage if the facility allows it.
Experts say parents must never ignore unexplained injuries, sudden behavioural changes or signs of fear.
If abuse is suspected, parents should immediately contact the police. They should also inform the Child Welfare Committee or the local child protection officer. Seeking legal advice and arranging a medical examination can also help protect the child’s rights.
Police continue investigating the case. Officers are trying to determine how the alleged abuse occurred, whether more children were affected and who bears responsibility for operating the daycare.
