IT services company Capgemini has filed a complaint with the HAL Police in Bengaluru against employees of a daycare centre operating on its campus, alleging unlawful conduct, serious cognisable offences and actions that compromised the safety, privacy and dignity of young children.
In its complaint, the company accused Little Scholars, a third-party daycare provider, of subjecting toddlers to harassment, torture and physical as well as mental abuse. Capgemini has sought legal action against the partners, promoters, directors and caregivers associated with the facility under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The company further alleged that caregivers engaged in "coordinated misconduct" that resulted in the abuse and suffering of toddlers, and urged the police to investigate the matter and take action against all those responsible.
Disturbing videos spark outrage
The complaint follows the emergence of disturbing videos that allegedly showed children as young as two years old being forced to sit inside the drum of a front-loading washing machine, having water sprayed into their mouths using a jet spray, and being locked inside bathrooms as punishment for crying.
The footage, reportedly recorded at the daycare centre operating within Capgemini's Bengaluru campus, triggered widespread outrage and led police to register an FIR against five women associated with the facility.
Police investigation and arrests
Police first arrested Vijayalakshmi on July 2. A day later, Sujata, who was initially believed to be the whistleblower, was also arrested after investigators alleged that she admitted to recording one of the viral videos showing a toddler being locked inside a washroom.
According to police, Sujata claimed her actions stemmed from a workplace dispute and salary-related differences with her supervisor, Manjula, who has been identified as the prime accused and remains absconding.
Investigators said Sujata also recorded two additional videos of the alleged abuse and shared all three clips with a man identified as Gowtham, who is accused of circulating them. Police said digital evidence and Sujata's statement resulted in her being named as an accused in the case.
Capgemini closes facility, child rights panel intervenes
Following the allegations, Capgemini temporarily shut down the daycare facility, stating that the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees and their families remain its highest priority. The company also said it is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
The matter has also been taken up by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights after a petition sought its intervention. The commission is expected to seek a detailed report from the authorities and conduct its own examination of the allegations as the investigation continues.
