Thu Sep 19 08:29:49 UTC 2024: ## EY India Faces Backlash After Employee’s Death, CEO Defends Company’s Practices

**Pune, India** – Ernst and Young (EY) India is facing a public outcry after the death of one of its employees, Anna Sebastian Perayil, a chartered accountant, who passed away on July 20th while receiving treatment at a Pune hospital. Perayil, who had worked at EY Global member firm S R Batliboi for only four months, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing exhaustion and discomfort.

Her mother has penned a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, alleging that excessive workload, a new work environment, and long hours took a toll on her daughter’s physical, emotional, and mental health, ultimately contributing to her death.

In response, Memani expressed his condolences and called Perayil’s passing an “irreparable loss” for the company. He also acknowledged the letter from Perayil’s mother and assured her of his full support. Memani stated that the company employs approximately 1 lakh people and “each one has to work hard,” implying that Perayil’s work was no different from that of other employees. He denied that workload had played a role in her death.

However, this statement has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning the company’s work environment and practices. Critics have pointed to the mounting pressure on employees and the lack of adequate support systems in place, especially for newer hires.

While EY India has expressed its condolences and commitment to providing assistance to the family, the company is facing calls for a thorough investigation into Perayil’s death and a review of its work culture to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

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