THE DEATH of 26-year-old Ernst & Young employee Anna Sebastian Perayil was being investigated, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said.
Sebastian, a chartered accountant, died of cardiac arrest in Pune on July 21. She had worked with S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, for four months.
Her mother this month wrote to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, flagging the "glorification" of overwork at the multinational consulting firm.
"Whether it is a white-collar job or any other job, worker or employee at any level... if a country's citizen dies, then we obviously feel sad about it. An investigation is underway in the matter and steps will be taken on the basis of the investigation," said the Union minister in Pune.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a programme organized under the 'Viksit Bharat Ambassador - Yuva Connect' initiative at SP College.
"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 & Labour Ministry has officially taken up the complaint," Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje said on X earlier in the day.
Company ignored complaints: Father
Her father, Siby Joseph, spoke to the media in Kochi on Thursday and said she had to work through the night, till 12.30 am.
"We advised her to quit, but she insisted that this stint would provide valuable professional exposure," he said.
He said the issue of extreme work pressure was mentioned before the senior officials of the company, but no action was taken.
"She had complained to the assistant manager, but they insisted on working even at night," her father said.
The family alleged that the company responded only after the letter went viral.
"We are not planning to move legally, but we don't want anyone else to face the same fate. We don't want the newbies joining such corporate companies to face similar situations," Joseph said.
After the issue went viral on social media, Ernst & Young on Wednesday issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian's tragic and untimely passing in July 2024.
EY said it would continue to improve and provide a healthy workplace in its offices throughout the country. (PTI)
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