Pakistani actress Iqra Aziz has come under criticism after reacting to the brutal assault of a 15-month-old baby girl at a daycare centre in Noida, India. The incident, which led to the arrest of a daycare maid, has sparked outrage and renewed debates over child safety.

 

Taking to Instagram, Iqra posted a video message urging parents not to send their children to daycares unless a trustworthy family member is present. She wrote, "Please stop sending your child to daycares or any place where they don't have a trustworthy family member with them. If parents for some reason are not available, have to go to work or there's no family to take care of your child then please stop bringing these little flowers into this world. They don't deserve this. They need FAMILY."

 

 

Her comments drew swift reactions online, with many accusing her of being insensitive and out of touch with the struggles of working parents. One user wrote, "This is so tone-deaf." Another said, "You have the privilege of having your mother around your child. Not everyone's parents are in good health, not everyone has a big family who can take responsibility, and not every mother is working by choice. Rather than pointing out how this behaviour only happens in a few countries where law is not strict and condemning the criminal, she is victim blaming."

 

 

Some argued that her statement ignored economic realities. "Yikes. Some people don’t have the option, especially in North America where two-income households are the norm. I am fortunate that I didn’t ever have to send mine to daycare, but that doesn’t mean all daycares are bad. Let’s show some grace and keep our opinions to ourselves sometimes. Every family situation is different. Let’s always lead with empathy and understanding," one comment read.

 

 

Others simply called it "Privilege speaking."

 

The backlash followed the disturbing events in Noida, where police arrested a maid at a daycare centre after CCTV footage allegedly showed her slapping the toddler, throwing her to the ground, and whipping her with a plastic belt while hurling abuse and threats. The victim’s parents also claimed the daycare head did not intervene.

 

Police confirmed that a case has been registered and the suspect is in custody. Noida Central DCP Shakti Mohan Avasthy said, "The police have been informed by the victim's parents about the torture by the daycare centre maid. Based on their complaint, a case has been registered at the Sector 142 police station, and the accused has been taken into custody. Further probe is on into the matter."

 

The child has undergone a medical examination, and the investigation is ongoing.