
19/09/2024
Global accounting and advisory firm Ernst & Young ( EY ) India has released a statement following the tragic demise of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly succumbed to extreme work pressure at the company’s Pune office.
“We are deeply saddened by Anna Sebastian’s tragic and untimely passing in July 2024, and our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family,” EY India stated on Wednesday. “While no measure can compensate for the loss experienced by the family, we have provided all the assistance as we always do in such times of distress and will continue to do so.”
Anna had joined EY’s audit team at S R Batliboi, a member firm of EY Global, on March 18, 2024. In just four months, her promising career was cut short. “That her promising career was cut short in this tragic manner is an irreparable loss for all of us,” the company added. The matter gained public attention after Anna’s mother sent a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, criticising what she described as the “glorification” of overwork at the multinational firm. She claimed that her daughter was subjected to excessive workloads, often working late into the night and on weekends. According to the letter, Anna would return to her accommodation completely exhausted, burdened with “backbreaking work” despite being a newcomer.