Karnataka Child Rights Panel Says Capgemini Not Directly Liable in Bengaluru Daycare Abuse Case

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has said Capgemini does not bear direct liability at this stage in the alleged abuse of toddlers at a Bengaluru daycare facility, as the centre was operated by an outsourced provider, Little Scholars. The commission’s observation comes while the police probe remains open and officials have not reached final conclusions.

The case has triggered concern among working parents after purported videos showed caregivers allegedly threatening and mistreating children aged around two to three years. The allegations include placing children inside a front-loading washing machine, making them sit on a western-style toilet, spraying water into their mouths with a toilet jet spray, locking them inside bathrooms and intimidating them when they cried.

The daycare facility, located in Bengaluru and used by employees of Capgemini, has been temporarily shut. Two people, identified as Sujatha and Vijayalakshmi, have been arrested so far. The commission said the role of others remains under investigation, along with the functioning of Little Scholars and its adherence to applicable procedures.

Karnataka child rights panel calls for tighter daycare safeguards

The KSCPCR said it is preparing recommendations to improve child safety standards across daycare facilities. These include mandatory training for daycare personnel before deployment, revised Standard Operating Procedures and greater transparency for parents, including access to CCTV footage. The commission said a formal communication on these proposals will be sent to the government.

The case has also raised wider questions about accountability in employer-linked childcare centres, particularly those run by third-party providers. Many large companies provide daycare access as part of employee welfare, but the daily care, staffing and supervision are often handled by specialised vendors. The commission’s position indicates that investigators are currently examining operational responsibility at the provider level.

At the same time, the finding does not close the matter for all parties involved. Officials are still examining policies, vendor compliance, supervision, complaint mechanisms and other aspects of how the facility functioned. Any further liability would depend on the investigation, contractual arrangements, regulatory obligations and evidence gathered by police and child rights authorities.

Support planned for affected families and children

The commission said support measures for families are being initiated. Counselling sessions for parents are scheduled at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences next week. Children who are able to communicate will also undergo age-appropriate interaction and counselling as part of the process.

Such intervention is considered important in cases involving very young children, who may not be able to clearly describe what happened. Child-sensitive counselling can help trained professionals understand behavioural changes, fear responses and emotional distress without pressuring children. It can also guide parents on how to respond at home after a traumatic episode.

A team from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights visited the daycare facility over two days to review the matter. The national body is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the government. Its review may look at safety systems, staff conduct, supervision, reporting procedures and broader gaps in daycare regulation.

Capgemini, in a statement issued on July 4, said it had taken several steps within 48 hours of the matter being reported. These included the immediate temporary closure of the Bengaluru daycare facility pending review, full cooperation with authorities and support to affected families through a helpline, counselling under its Employee Assistance Program and flexible work-from-home options.

“At Capgemini, the safety and well-being of every child remain our highest priority. The situation reported at the daycare facility in Bengaluru, operated by the external provider Little Scholars, is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Our first thoughts are with the children and their families,” the company said in its statement.

Capgemini reviews daycare providers across India

The IT services company said its daycare providers are subject to due diligence and compliance checks. It also said such facilities support employees who entrust their children to these centres. Following the Bengaluru incident, Capgemini said it is reassessing all daycare providers across its facilities in India.

For parents, the case underlines the need for clearer visibility into daycare practices. Access to CCTV footage, verified staff training, documented complaint channels, child-safe infrastructure and regular audits are among the safeguards families often seek. The commission’s proposed recommendations could make these expectations more formal if accepted by the government.

The investigation is continuing, and the immediate focus remains on identifying responsibility for the alleged abuse and ensuring support for the affected children. The case may also shape how companies, vendors and regulators approach childcare facilities attached to workplaces, especially where very young children depend entirely on adult supervision for safety.