Vijay Upadhyay

The recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old employee at EY India’s Pune office, has cast a spotlight on the alleged toxic work culture at the firm. Just months into her role, Perayil’s physical and mental health deteriorated under the strain of overwhelming work stress. Her mother, Anita Augustine, has publicly criticized the company for its demanding work environment, which she believes contributed to her daughter’s tragic end. Despite being a top academic performer, Anna struggled with severe anxiety and stress, ultimately leading to her untimely death. The lack of support from EY India, including the absence of company representatives at her funeral, has further fueled discussions about corporate responsibility and the need for a healthier work culture.