Finance Minister Responds to Victim Shaming Allegations Over Young CA's Death

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed accusations of victim shaming following her comments on the death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil. She emphasized the importance of institutional support and denied any intent to blame the victim. An investigation into the work environment at Ernst & Young has been promised.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has addressed accusations of victim shaming following her remarks about the tragic death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil. The incident, allegedly resulting from extreme work pressure at Ernst & Young (EY), has sparked significant controversy.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused Sitharaman of victim shaming in a post on X, arguing that the toxic work culture and long hours at EY were to blame for Perayil's death. Chaturvedi urged the minister to be more sensitive and address the underlying issues.

Sitharaman responded by clarifying that her comments were meant to emphasize the role of institutions and families in supporting young professionals. She denied any intent to blame the victim and expressed grief over the loss. The Union Labour Ministry has assured a thorough investigation into the allegations of an exploitative work environment.

The father of Anna Sebastian Perayil, Sibi Joseph, revealed that his daughter had been subjected to extreme work hours and additional tasks. He recounted that she often cried due to stress and was not receiving adequate time to sleep or eat. Joseph mentioned that despite being encouraged to resign, Anna chose to continue for the exposure EY offered. Tragically, she collapsed and died on July 21.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi has visited the grieving family and pledged to raise the issue in Parliament, highlighting the need to address toxic work environments in large corporations.

(With inputs from agencies.)