Bengaluru creche abuse: Daycare claims ex-staff staged videos for extortion

A Bengaluru daycare centre at the centre of a child abuse scandal has made a dramatic counter-claim. The management now alleges that former employees staged the viral abuse videos to extort money. The case, which sparked outrage across the city, has taken a new twist as police probe both sides.

Daycare's counter-allegation

In a statement to police, the daycare's owners claimed that the videos showing staff mistreating children were fabricated. They said the clips were shot by ex-employees who had been fired for misconduct. The management accused them of orchestrating the footage to blackmail the centre for a large sum.

Sources close to the investigation said the daycare has provided chat logs and financial records to back its claim. Police are verifying the authenticity of these documents. No arrests have been made in connection with the extortion allegation so far.

Parents protest, demand justice

Parents of children enrolled at the daycare have rejected the management's version outright. They have been holding protests outside the centre and the local police station for the past week. Many carried placards demanding a fair probe and strict action against the abusers.

"They are trying to shift the blame. We have seen the videos. Our children are traumatised," said one parent who did not wish to be named. The parents have also filed a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

Investigation underway

Bengaluru police have registered two separate FIRs. One pertains to the original child abuse allegations. The second is based on the daycare's complaint of extortion and criminal conspiracy. Officers are now examining CCTV footage from the centre and forensic reports of the viral videos.

A senior police official told The News Minute that both angles are being treated with equal seriousness. "We cannot jump to conclusions. The truth will emerge after a thorough investigation," the official said. The daycare has been sealed pending inquiry, and its license is suspended.

What comes next

Police are expected to question the former employees named in the extortion complaint within the next 48 hours. The parents have demanded that the daycare owners be taken into custody as well. The case now hinges on forensic analysis of the videos and the credibility of digital evidence. All eyes are on the forensic report, which is due next week.