Capgemini's Bengaluru Daycare Temporarily Shut Amid Child Abuse Allegations
Closure of Daycare Facility
New Delhi: Capgemini has decided to temporarily shut down its on-site daycare center in Bengaluru following serious allegations of child abuse that have emerged, as stated by the company.
The firm emphasized that the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and their families are its top priorities.
In its statement, Capgemini mentioned that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and aiding them in uncovering the truth behind the allegations.
As a precaution, the Bengaluru daycare facility will remain closed until further notice.
Reports indicate that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against five female caregivers under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
This daycare is situated at Capgemini's HAL campus in Brookfield, Bengaluru.
Authorities revealed that the alleged incidents were brought to light after videos, purportedly depicting abuse at the childcare center, circulated on WhatsApp.
The FIR, lodged on June 29 at the HAL police station following a complaint from a district child protection unit official, names five caregivers.
The complaint accuses these caregivers of physically mistreating and intimidating toddlers when they cried.
The children involved are reportedly aged between two and three years.
The FIR further claims that some children were subjected to water spraying in their mouths using a toilet jet spray, locked in bathrooms, forced to sit on western-style toilets, and even placed inside a front-loading washing machine.
Currently, police are actively investigating these serious allegations.
Earlier this year, in January, Capgemini announced plans to reduce its workforce in France by up to 2,400 jobs, which accounts for about 6% of its employees in the country, due to declining demand in key sectors.