IT firm Capgemini has shut down its Bengaluru daycare centre after disturbing videos surfaced on social media, allegedly showing caregivers torturing children. In a detailed note to employees, the company stated that the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness and announced a comprehensive reassessment of all its daycare facilities across India.
Viral videos prompt immediate action
The videos, which went viral on July 2, 2026, purportedly show caregivers physically and emotionally abusing infants and toddlers at the creche located on Capgemini's Bengaluru campus. The footage triggered widespread outrage among employees and the public, leading to protests outside the facility. Capgemini confirmed that it has terminated the services of the third-party vendor operating the creche and has reported the matter to local authorities for further investigation.
Company's response and reassessment plan
In an internal memo dated July 3, 2026, Capgemini's Chief Human Resources Officer said, "We are deeply shocked and saddened by these incidents. The safety and well-being of children in our care is our top priority. We have immediately closed the creche and are cooperating fully with the police investigation." The company also announced that it will conduct a thorough audit of all its daycare centres across India, involving external child safety experts. The audit will include unannounced inspections, enhanced CCTV monitoring, and stricter background checks for all staff.
Employee and public reaction
Employees expressed anger and betrayal, with many demanding stricter oversight of third-party vendors. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "We trusted the company to provide a safe environment for our children. This is a breach of that trust." Child rights activists have called for a broader probe into corporate daycare facilities, citing lack of regulation. The incident has also sparked a debate on social media about the need for mandatory licensing and regular audits of workplace creches.
Legal and regulatory implications
Bengaluru police have registered a case under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Indian Penal Code. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the state government. Legal experts say the incident could lead to stricter compliance norms for corporate daycare centres under the Maternity Benefit Act, which mandates creche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees.
Impact on Capgemini's operations
Capgemini employs over 150,000 people in India, with a significant number of women in its workforce. The closure of the creche has disrupted daycare arrangements for hundreds of employees, forcing many to seek alternative childcare. The company has offered temporary reimbursement for external daycare expenses but has not specified when the facility will reopen. Industry analysts warn that the incident could damage Capgemini's reputation as an employer of choice, particularly among working parents.
As of July 3, 2026, Capgemini has not released a timeline for the nationwide reassessment. The company has urged employees to report any concerns through a dedicated helpline and has set up a counseling team to support affected families.
