A fresh controversy has emerged at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore after a 23-year-old tribal woman from Manipur accused an institute professor and his wife of severe physical and mental harassment while working as a nanny at their residence inside the campus.
The woman, whose name has been changed to Naina, filed a complaint at the Mico Layout police station in Bengaluru against professor Amar Sapra and his wife Anshu Sapra. According to the FIR, the couple allegedly forced her to work long hours, denied her food and medical care, restricted her movement, and physically assaulted her for several years.
Woman Alleges Years of Abuse Inside Campus
According to the complaint, Naina came from Churachandpur district in Manipur to Bengaluru in 2019 through a placement agency to work as a babysitter for the professor’s family.
She said the situation worsened over time and that from 2021 onwards she was allegedly made to work from early morning until after midnight without proper rest.
“I was not allowed to go out or speak freely with my family. My phone was checked and sometimes taken away,” Naina alleged.
She further claimed that Anshu Sapra physically assaulted her repeatedly. “Madam used to pull my hair, slap me and shout at me even in front of others. I stayed silent because I was scared,” she said.
According to the FIR, one such assault allegedly took place on April 15 when Anshu Sapra reportedly pulled her hair and beat her multiple times.
Kidney Stone Pain Led to Escape
Naina said the situation became unbearable on May 4 when she suffered severe pain due to kidney stones.
Instead of receiving treatment, she alleged she was locked inside a room without food or water.
“I was in terrible pain, but they accused me of pretending and doing drama,” she said.
She later managed to escape and sought help from another professor living nearby. The neighbour allegedly gave her food, shelter and access to a phone, after which she contacted her family.
Her family then informed the Kuki Students Organization Bengaluru (KSOB), which helped her file a police complaint the following day.
Police Action Under Question
Police registered a case under sections related to voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful confinement under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, activists and community leaders have questioned why stricter sections, including the SC/ST Atrocities Act and laws related to harassment of women, were not added.
KSOB president Seilalamuon Haokip alleged that the weaker sections were applied deliberately.
“This is not a simple case of assault. A tribal woman was allegedly tortured for years, but serious charges have still not been added,” he said.
Police officials reportedly told the complainant that notices had been issued to the accused couple and arrests would follow if they failed to cooperate with the investigation.
Wage Exploitation Alleged
Naina also accused the family and placement agency of wage exploitation. She claimed she was promised a monthly salary of ₹18,000 but was paid only ₹10,000 in April.
“They told me money was being cut because I did not work enough days. Another amount was supposedly given to the agency,” she alleged.
When contacted by her, the placement agency allegedly refused to take responsibility.
IIM Bangalore Yet to Take Strict Action
Despite the serious allegations, no arrest has been made so far, and questions are now being raised about the response of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
In a statement quoted in media reports, the institute said it had extended necessary support to the victim and was committed to following legal procedures.
However, activists argue that the institute cannot ignore allegations of abuse taking place within its campus premises for years.
Naina, who is currently staying with relatives in Bengaluru, said she fears returning home because she is the only earning member of her family.
“I only want a safe place where I can work without fear and torture,” she said.
