NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of Anna Sebastian, a young chartered accountant, reportedly due to excessive workload. The Commission, which expressed extreme concern that Anna's death was due to workload, has initiated suo motu proceedings in the matter. The Commission also directed the Union Ministry of Labour to furnish a comprehensive investigation report within a period of four weeks.

Anna Sebastian, a chartered accountant from Ernakulam's Kunnappilly, passed away two months ago due to cardiac arrest. Born to C.B. Joseph and Anitha Augustine, Anna had excelled academically. After clearing the chartered accountancy exams, she joined EY's Pune office in March, full of enthusiasm for her first job. However, her life was cut short when she died at a hostel in Pune on July 20.

The mother of the young professional had written a letter to the employer claiming that long hours of work had taken a heavy toll on her daughter's physical, emotional and mental health, a charge denied by the company. The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment is investigating the matter.