Central government takes tough stand on allegations of CA’s death due to work load, orders probe after demand from ruling party and opposition

New Delhi: The Ministry of Labor and Employment is investigating the death of CA Anna Sebastian Perayil, who worked with SR Batliboi, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global (EY Global). Minister of State for Labor and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said that the ministry is investigating the alleged unsafe and stressful working environment aspect behind Anna’s death. Anna, a 26-year-old chartered accountant, died of cardiac arrest on 21 July. Anna, who passed the CA exam in 2023, joined the member firm of EY Global in Pune on March 18 this year. After her death, her mother Anita wrote a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani this month. She said that the stress of excessive workload took her daughter’s life.

The matter heated up on social media

As the issue heated up on social media, leaders of the ruling party and the opposition demanded an investigation into it. TMC MP Saket Gokhale, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and BJP leader Rajiv Chandrashekhar said that they have demanded the Labor Ministry to investigate the matter. Blaming the economic policies as well, Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X, ‘The death of a young woman working in an international company in Pune due to work stress and the emotional letter written by her mother in this context has shaken the youth of the country. From the government of the country to the corporate world, everyone should take this letter as a warning and advice.’ At the same time, Chandrashekhar tagged Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Labor Shobha Karandlaji and said in a post on X, ‘The mother has alleged that the unsafe and exploitative work environment took the life of young and promising Anna. I request the Government of India to investigate these allegations.’ State Minister for Labour and Employment Karandlaje said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil. The allegations of unsafe and exploitative working environment are being thoroughly investigated. We are committed to ensure justice. The Labour Ministry has officially taken cognizance of the complaint.”

Mother said, Anna was a topper in school and college

Stating that Anna did not have any pre-existing illness, her mother had said that Anna was a bright student since childhood and was a topper in school and college and had passed the CA exam with distinction. She was constantly engaged in completing whatever work was given to her at EY. She also said that no EY staff was present at her daughter’s funeral. On this, EY said in a statement on September 18, ‘We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Anna Sebastian. Anna was in the audit team of S R Batliboi for a short period of four months. Her promising career ended tragically. This is an irreparable loss for all of us.’