The demise of Pune, Maharashtra-based Ernst and Young (EY employee) Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, has prompted the Union Labour Ministry to launch an inquiry. The action was taken in response to Perayil’s mother’s claim that stress from her job caused her daughter to pass away. The Minister of State for Labour, Shobha Karandlaje, sent condolences on social media and promised a comprehensive inquiry into the claims of an exploitative and dangerous work environment at EY India.
“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. We are committed to ensuring justice & @LabourMinistry has officially taken up the complaint. @mansukhmandviya,” Minister of State for Labour Shobha Karandlaje wrote on X.
Her statement came after BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar called for an investigation into the deceased’s mother’s allegations in a post on X.
Family’s Allegations
Perayil’s mother, Anita Augustine, wrote a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani outlining the events leading up to her daughter’s demise. She explained that Perayil had been complaining of tightness in her chest and that her job schedule was preventing her from getting enough sleep.
“Anna would return to her room utterly exhausted, sometimes collapsing on the bed without even changing her clothes,” wrote Augustine.
Augustine also related how her daughter worked through the night without a break, even on the weekends. “Her assistant manager once called her at night with a task that needed to be completed by the next morning, leaving her with barely any time to rest or recover,” she said. Perayil insisted on staying for the opportunity to learn and gain exposure, even though her family advised her to quit due to the intense pressure.
The family was disappointed that not one individual from EY attended Perayil’s funeral.
“This absence at such a critical moment, for an employee who gave her all to your organisation until her last breath, is deeply hurtful,” Augustine stated in her letter. She expressed her hope that her daughter’s suffering will result in meaningful change within the organisation and its work culture.
EY India released a statement in reaction to the accusations, expressing their profound condolences for Perayil’s passing. The company stated that it is taking the family’s correspondence seriously and would provide all required assistance during this difficult time. They added that they have rules in place to guarantee a healthy work-life balance and that their employees’ well-being is a key priority.
The young Anna’s father, Sibi Joseph, stated that they do not intend to file a lawsuit against the company. “My wife wrote the letter to the Chairman to ensure that even though our daughter is gone, such a thing should not happen to any other person. We are not going to take any legal steps against the company also,” stated Joseph.
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