Bengaluru Daycare Abuse: Two Nabbed as Karnataka Govt Vows Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse

July 3, 2026

Bengaluru: Karnataka Police have arrested one woman and detained another in connection with the alleged abuse of toddlers at a daycare centre operating inside the Capgemini campus in Bengaluru’s Brookefield area, as the state government vowed “zero tolerance” for crimes against children and intensified efforts to trace the remaining accused.

The arrests come after disturbing videos purportedly showing daycare staff physically assaulting toddlers went viral on social media, triggering widespread public outrage and prompting swift police action.

According to the police, the arrested accused has been identified as Vijayalakshmi, while another woman has been detained and is undergoing legal formalities before her formal arrest. Investigators are questioning both women to ascertain the whereabouts of the remaining accused, who are currently absconding with their mobile phones switched off.

The five accused in the case have been identified as Manjula, Vijayalakshmi, Bhavani, Sindhu and Bindu. A special police team has been constituted to trace the remaining staff members seen in the viral videos.

Videos Spark Outrage, SIT Formed

The case came to light after shocking videos allegedly depicting toddlers being subjected to physical and mental abuse inside the Society General Baby Care Centre, functioning on the premises of a private company in Brookefield, surfaced on social media and were forwarded to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Taking serious note of the allegations, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh described the incident as “serious” and “heinous” after reviewing the footage.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior police officers has been formed to probe the case. Investigators have conducted a spot inspection at the daycare centre, examined the premises, and are scrutinising CCTV footage to corroborate the allegations.

Police have also questioned around eight to ten daycare staff members and recorded statements from the parents of three children enrolled at the facility. Three staff members have been directed to appear before investigators as the probe continues.

Allegations of Brutal Child Abuse

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at the HAL Police Station, the accused allegedly subjected toddlers to repeated physical and psychological abuse.

The complaint alleges that children were beaten, locked inside bathrooms, intimidated, placed inside a washing machine to frighten them, forced to sit on a western-style toilet as punishment, and had water pipes inserted into their mouths.

The FIR has been registered under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act based on a complaint filed by Tilakesh Kumar, a resident of K.R. Puram.

Police said they are continuing to verify the authenticity of the viral videos while collecting statements from parents, staff members and other witnesses.

Government Assures Strict Action

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge asserted that the state government has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes involving children and has sought a detailed report from the concerned department.

“We have zero tolerance regarding this incident. We have already sought information and clarification from the department. Reputed companies have guidelines and policies that are followed globally, not just in India. They must abide by them. Daycare centres and crèches will have to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” Kharge said.

He stressed that background verification of daycare staff should have been mandatory before their appointment.

“They need to verify and conduct background checks on the staff. It appears that was not done. No matter which company it is, especially when it involves toddlers and children below five to ten years of age, much higher standards are expected from global companies,” he said.

The minister added that the government would review existing regulations governing workplace daycare centres to ensure stricter compliance with child safety norms.

Investigation Continues

Police are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining accused while analysing digital evidence and CCTV footage collected from the daycare premises.

Officials said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Authorities are also examining whether there were lapses in supervision, compliance with child protection guidelines, and background verification of staff at the facility.

The incident has sparked nationwide concern over the safety of children at workplace daycare centres and renewed calls for stricter monitoring, mandatory staff verification and stronger enforcement of child protection protocols.