The Union labour ministry has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of 26-year-old chartered accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, an employee of Ernst & Young (EY) in Pune. This action follows allegations made by Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, regarding the excessive workload and unsafe work environment at the multinational firm.
Anna, a recent CA graduate, passed away in July 2024, just four months after joining EY Pune. In an email to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, her mother flagged concerns about the company’s “glorification” of overwork, claiming it played a role in her daughter’s untimely death.
Union minister of state Shobha Karandlaje confirmed the investigation, expressing deep sadness over Anna’s death. “A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway. We are committed to ensuring justice,” Karandlaje said. The minister was responding to a social media post by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who called the incident “disturbing at many levels.”
EY issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing sorrow over Anna’s passing and emphasizing that they have been in contact with her family since the incident. The company also noted its commitment to improving workplace conditions, ensuring employee well-being, and providing all necessary support to the family during this difficult time.
“While no measure can compensate for this loss, we are taking the family’s correspondence seriously and will continue to improve workplace conditions for our 100,000 employees across India,” the company said.
The ongoing investigation is expected to address the allegations and could lead to broader discussions about workplace culture and employee welfare in high-stress industries like accounting and consulting.
Key Points:
- The Indian labour ministry is investigating the death of EY Pune employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly succumbed to work-related stress.
- Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, accused the company of glorifying overwork in a letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani.
- Union minister Shobha Karandlaje confirmed the investigation and expressed her condolences, stating the government is committed to justice.
- Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar also urged the government to address the allegations of an exploitative work environment.
- Anna had worked at EY Pune for four months after passing her CA exams in 2023.
- In response, EY expressed sadness over the incident and emphasized their commitment to supporting the family and improving employee well-being.
- The firm reiterated its focus on creating a healthy work environment for its 100,000 employees across India.