Capgemini clarifies Bengaluru daycare was operated by external provider amid abuse probe

The alleged abuse took place in a creche for children of employees working at IT firm Capgemini in Bengaluru. File photo

Capgemini on Friday clarified that the day-care facility at the centre of child abuse allegations at its Bengaluru campus was operated by external provider Little Scholars.

In an updated statement, the company said, “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. We are extending all our support to them.”

The IT services company said it had temporarily closed the daycare facility on July 1 pending a review following media reports alleging abuse of children at the centre. It added that it was extending full cooperation to the authorities to clarify the facts.

Capgemini also said it is providing support to affected families, including access to a helpline facility, dedicated counselling through its Employee Assistance Program, and flexible work-from-home options.

The company highlighted that its daycare providers undergo rigorous due diligence and compliance checks. “These facilities support our employees, who entrust their children to these centres. This is an important part of our commitment to our team members.”

The updated statement comes as Bengaluru Police continue to investigate the allegations. According to a media report by The Hindu, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh announced a review of all daycare centres, including those run by companies, to check for compliance with norms.

He also said a special team led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) had been formed to probe the case. The FIR was registered following a call to the Child Helpline, and police have collected CCTV footage from the campus for analysis.

The Hindu reported that HAL police have issued notices to five staff members of the daycare facility for questioning and sent video clips allegedly showing the abuse to the Forensic Science Laboratory for verification.

According to media reports, an FIR was registered on June 29 against five caregivers under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice Act.

The complaint alleges that children at the daycare facility inside Capgemini’s Brookefield campus were subjected to physical and mental abuse.

The allegations came to light after videos purportedly showing the incidents were circulated on WhatsApp and reported to the Child Helpline.