Bengaluru: A 23-year-old woman from Manipur employed as a nanny at a residence inside the IIM Bengaluru campus has alleged prolonged physical abuse, food deprivation, and confinement by her employers over several years.
According to a police complaint, the woman had been working at the residence of a couple identified as Amar and Anshu and allegedly faced harassment and assault since June 2021.
The woman stated that she was frequently denied food and physically assaulted, particularly when she fell ill. She further alleged that her mobile phone was confiscated and that she was repeatedly beaten for speaking to other people.
Allegations of confinement and assault
In her complaint, the woman alleged that the situation worsened in recent months. She claimed that at around 2.30 am on April 15, one of her employers assaulted her and pulled her hair during an altercation.
Following the incident, she alleged that she was kept under constant watch and was not allowed to leave the house.
The woman reportedly did not approach the police immediately due to fear and continued to remain at the residence despite the alleged abuse.
Neighbours help victim contact relatives
According to the complaint, the woman was again denied food on May 4, after which she sought help from neighbours residing nearby.
The neighbours reportedly provided her with bananas and paranthas and allowed her to use their mobile phone to contact her aunt.
She also contacted the president of the Kuki Students’ Organisation Bangalore (KSOB), following which support was arranged for her.
The intervention by neighbours and members of the community reportedly helped the woman come forward and file a formal complaint with the police.
FIR registered, investigation under way
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR against the couple and initiated an investigation into the allegations.
Officials are expected to record statements from the complainant, the accused, and other witnesses as part of the inquiry.
Police are also likely to examine the circumstances under which the woman was allegedly confined and denied access to communication facilities.
Further details regarding the sections invoked in the FIR and the progress of the investigation are awaited.
Concerns over domestic worker safety
The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety and welfare of domestic workers, particularly migrant workers employed in urban households.
Activists and community organisations have repeatedly called for stronger legal protection, monitoring mechanisms, and awareness regarding the rights of domestic workers facing abuse and exploitation.
The case has also drawn attention due to the alleged incidents taking place within a residential complex located inside the prestigious IIM Bengaluru campus.
Police said further investigation into the matter is continuing.