Domestic Worker Accuses IIM Bengaluru Employers of Abuse and Starvation
A caregiver working for a family residing within the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru campus filed a police complaint on May 12 alleging prolonged physical abuse, starvation, and deprivation of personal freedoms by her employers since 2021. The complainant, who has requested anonymity, claimed that she was denied adequate food, subjected to regular beatings during disputes, and had her mobile phone confiscated and inspected.
The case has attracted attention due to the involvement of an elite academic institution's premises, raising concerns about the oversight of domestic staff employed by faculty and staff members. IIM Bengaluru has previously issued guidelines on employee welfare, but no public statement has been released regarding this specific allegation.
The caregiver's testimony, as reported by The Hindu, stated, "They would lock me in rooms without food and beat me if I spoke back. My phone was taken away, and I was not allowed to call anyone." Police have registered the case under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and are reportedly conducting a forensic examination of the residence.
Legal experts note that domestic workers in India often lack formal contracts, making enforcement of labor rights challenging. Advocate Priya Nair highlighted that “the informal nature of domestic employment leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation, especially within high‑profile institutions where oversight mechanisms may be lax.”
The investigation will continue over the coming weeks, with the police expected to submit a charge sheet by the end of the month. IIM Bengaluru has pledged to cooperate with authorities and has announced an internal review of housing arrangements for staff. The case may prompt broader policy discussions on safeguarding domestic workers in institutional settings across the country.