New Delhi. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that an investigation is underway into the alleged ‘unsafe and exploitative work environment’ at EY, which led to the death of the company’s employee Ana Sebastian Perai. He said that the investigation report can be received within 10 days. The Ministry of Labor and Employment is investigating the alleged ‘unsafe and exploitative work environment’ a few days after the death of Ana Sebastian Perayil. Ana worked at SR Batliboi, a member company of EY Global. Addressing a press conference here, Mandaviya said, “We have sought information from the state authorities. We will be able to say something on this issue only after the report comes.”
He said the investigation into the case was ongoing and action would be taken if required. “We must not spare the institution for its fault. The report should be available in a week or 10 days.” Perayil was a 26-year-old chartered accountant (CA) who died allegedly due to “excessive work pressure” at the company. Last week, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil. A thorough investigation is underway into the allegations of unsafe and exploitative work environment. We are committed to ensuring justice and the Labour Ministry has officially taken over the complaint.”
Last week, EY also issued a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Ana Sebastian in July 2024.” The company had said that EY has been in touch with her family since Ana’s death and is helping them. EY had said that it would continue to improve its offices across the country and provide a healthy workplace. Ana Sebastian Perayil passed her CA exam in 2023. She was working in the EY Pune office for the first four months before her death.
Her mother wrote to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani this month, raising concerns over the ‘glorification’ of excessive work at the company. EY said in a statement, “Ana joined the company on March 18, 2024. She was part of the audit team of SR Batliboy, a member firm of EY Global in Pune for a brief period of four months. The tragic end of her promising career is an irreparable loss for all of us.” The company said that although no measure can compensate for the loss suffered by the family, the company has provided all kinds of assistance and will continue to provide it.
