New Delhi: The Ministry of Labour and Employment is investigating the alleged unsafe and exploitative working environment at SR Batliboy, a member firm of Ernst & Young (EY) Global, in Pune. The move comes days after the tragic death of the company's employee Anna Sebastian Perayil.

Notably, 26-year-old Perayil was a chartered accountant who allegedly died due to excessive work pressure at the firm. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje wrote on Twitter on Thursday, "Deeply saddened by the 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."

The company expressed grief by issuing a statement

EY issued a statement on Wednesday saying that we are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Ana Sebastian in July 2024. Since Ana's death, EY has been in touch with her family and helping them. But, after Ana's death in July, her family has now written a letter to the company complaining about the excessive pressure of work.

Anna Sebastian passed the Chartered Accountant exam in 2023. She was working in the EY Pune office for four months before her death. Her mother wrote a letter to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani this month, expressing concern over the glorification of excessive work in the company. Speaking to reporters, Anna's father Sibi Joseph said that she had to work till 12:30 at night.