New Delhi: Sibi Joseph, father of 26-year-old EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, who passed away reportedly due to ‘work-related stress,’ said that his daughter was “barely sleeping and struggled to eat properly” during an interview with IANS. He also said that even though they suggesred to quit her job, Anna chose to continue working at the “reputed firm.”
Joseph said that Anna, who was auditing Bajaj Auto, often worked late into the night and would return to her paying guest accommodation around 1:30 am. She was regularly sad with her work conditions and in July, her parents took her to a cardiologist. Although the doctor found her to be healthy, they said a lack of sufficient sleep and proper nutrition.
He also said that his wife had written to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani with the hope of preventing such tragedies from happening to others, despite their daughter’s passing. The family has decided not to take legal action against the company.
Labour Ministry launches probe
Meanwhile, the Union labour ministry has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of Anna’s death. Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that a probe is ongoing and assured that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.
His deputy Shobha Karandlaje said on X that a comprehensive investigation into the accusations of an “unsafe and exploitative work environment” is in progress. “We are dedicated to ensuring justice and the labour ministry has formally taken up the complaint,” she said in response to a post by former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who had shared a Times of India post regarding Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine’s, letter to EY Chairman Rajiv Memani. The letter alleged workplace stress contributed to Anna’s situation.
Memani denies work pressure
In response to the incident, Memani denied that “work pressure” led to Anna Perayil’s death. He said that EY employs around 100,000 people across India. “While there is no doubt that everyone works hard, we don’t believe work pressure was the cause of her death,” Memani said. On Thursday, EY’s India office released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over Perayil’s passing and offering their heartfelt condolences to her family.