Vinod M Jain
A fact-finding team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) visited Bengaluru on July 3 and 4 to investigate the alleged physical abuse of children at a daycare centre operating inside the Capgemini campus at Brookefield.
The team,headed by Senior Technical Expert Paresh Shah and accompanied by Anshita Surana,Professional (Law),conducted an on-the-spot inquiry into the incident.
The Commission requested the Karnataka government and the Bengaluru Urban district administration to extend full logistical support,including transportation and accommodation,to the team during its visit.
The visit follows the NCPCR taking suo motu cognisance of the alleged abuse and directing the Bengaluru Urban district administration to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
In a letter to Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate P.S.Kantharaju,NCPCR Member Secretary,Dr.Sanjeev Sharma said the Commission had initiated the inquiry under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act,2005 after taking note of media reports on the alleged abuse.
The Commission directed the District Child Protection Unit, police,Labour Department and other concerned authorities to investigate the functioning of the daycare centre,examine its safety and security measures, and ascertain the circumstances that led to the alleged abuse.
NCPCR also instructed the district administration to ensure immediate protection, medical examination and counselling of the affected children and to initiate legal action, including registration of an FIR under the relevant provisions of law wherever warranted.
Authorities have also been asked to verify whether the daycare centre complies with all statutory requirements and child safety norms before allowing it to continue operations.
The Commission has sought a detailed Action Taken Report within seven days, along with copies of the FIR, medical reports,statements of officials and any photographic or video evidence collected during the investigation.
