In a letter addressed to Ernst & Young India chairman Rajiv Memani, Anna’s mother revealed that her daughter passed away just four months after starting with the company and urged its leadership to reform its work culture.
The tragic death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young India has sparked widespread outrage.
The Union Labour Ministry has initiated an investigation into the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant employed by Ernst & Young (EY) India, amid allegations that excessive work stress may have contributed to her passing. The inquiry follows a formal complaint by Anna’s family, who attribute her death to the company’s high-pressure work environment.
In a letter to Rajiv Memani, chairman of EY India, Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, expressed her grief and called for changes to the company’s work culture. She revealed that her daughter had passed away just four months after joining the firm, highlighting what she described as a culture that glorifies overwork while disregarding employee well-being.
Government Response and Outcry
Minister of State for Labour, Shobha Karandlaje, addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anna Sebastian. A thorough investigation into the allegations of an unsafe and exploitative work environment is underway.” This response came after BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged a probe into the incident, calling Anna’s death “very sad and disturbing.”
A Mother’s Heartfelt Plea
In her letter, Anita Augustine described her daughter as a brilliant student who excelled throughout her academic career, culminating in the successful completion of her chartered accountancy exam. Anna joined EY India in March 2024, excited about her first job at a prestigious firm. However, within months, the family’s joy turned into tragedy when Anna passed away on July 20, 2024.
Anita shared details of Anna’s last weeks, revealing that her daughter had been suffering from severe work-related stress. Despite complaining of chest pain and exhaustion, Anna continued to work long hours, often late into the night, due to a demanding workload. During her CA convocation in Pune, she continued to work, even on the day of the ceremony, which she had arranged for her parents to attend.
“Even during her convocation, she couldn’t enjoy the moment due to work pressure,” Anita wrote, recounting how Anna worked through weekends and was often called at night to meet tight deadlines.
Allegations of Overwork
Anna’s mother further accused the company of failing to address her daughter’s concerns about overwork. “When she raised her worries, she was told, ‘You can work at night, that’s what we all do,’” Anita recalled. Despite her dedication, Anna was unable to cope with the relentless pressure, leading her to work long hours without proper rest.
The family was deeply hurt by the absence of any EY representatives at Anna’s funeral, a gesture they felt would have shown respect for her contributions. “Anna deserved better, and so do all employees working under such conditions,” her mother concluded, urging EY India to reflect on their practices and bring meaningful changes.
Ernst & Young India Responds
In response to the allegations, EY India issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over Anna’s passing. The company emphasized that they were treating the matter with “utmost seriousness and humility.”
“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing. While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the necessary support and will continue to do so,” the statement read. EY India also reaffirmed their commitment to employee well-being and vowed to continue improving workplace conditions.
The investigation by the Labour Ministry is ongoing, with many now closely watching how the case unfolds and what implications it may have for workplace culture in India’s corporate sector.
