Centre Initiates Investigation After Tragic Death of EY Pune Employee Anna Sebastian Perayil

In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread concern, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has begun investigating the death of 26-year-old Ernst & Young (EY) employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil. Anna, a chartered accountant from Kerala, passed away in July 2024, with her mother alleging that excessive work-related stress was a contributing factor.

Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, wrote an emotional letter to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani, highlighting the “glorification” of overwork at the multinational firm. The letter raised questions about the work environment at EY, leading to a call for action. Union minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises and labour, Shobha Karandlaje, confirmed that the Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint and is conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway,” Shobha Karandlaje wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Her statement was a response to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who called the incident “disturbing” and urged for a formal inquiry into the claims made by Anna’s family.

Anna, who had recently passed her Chartered Accountant (CA) exams in 2023, joined EY’s Pune office in March 2024 as part of the Audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global. Her mother’s letter emphasized that Anna was under immense work pressure, leading to her tragic death after just four months at the company.

EY India expressed its sorrow over Anna’s passing and assured that they have been in contact with her family, providing support. In a statement, the firm said, “That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us.” The company also emphasized its commitment to improving workplace conditions, stating that the well-being of their employees remains a top priority.

This unfortunate incident has raised critical questions about work culture and employee well-being in high-pressure industries. The ongoing investigation seeks to address these concerns and provide justice for Anna and her family.

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