A 38-year-old software engineer from Chennai, identified as Karthikeyan, has tragically taken his own life, reportedly due to the immense pressure he faced at work. Authorities stated that he was found deceased in his home, entangled in a live electrical wire, by his wife upon her return from a temple visit.
Karthikeyan, who hailed from Theni district in Tamil Nadu, had dedicated 15 years to his career in the tech industry. He had been battling depression for the last two months, as noted by police, who mentioned that he had expressed feelings of distress related to his work environment.
On Monday, Karthikeyan’s wife, K. Jayarani, traveled about 300 km to Thirunallur with their two young children, aged 10 and 8, leaving him alone at home. When she returned on Thursday night and received no answer at the door, she used a spare key to enter the house, only to discover the devastating scene.
This incident highlights the growing concern over mental health in high-pressure work settings, particularly in the tech industry. It comes in the wake of another tragic case involving a young chartered accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who also succumbed to the pressures of her job at Ernst & Young. Her mother has criticized the company’s work culture, describing it as one that “glorifies overwork” and negatively impacts employee health.
Anita Augustine, Anna’s mother, shared her distressing account of her daughter’s relentless work schedule, stating that she often worked late into the night, struggling under overwhelming demands with little time for self-care. In response to these tragedies, the Union Labour Ministry has initiated an investigation into the working conditions at Ernst & Young, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Rajiv Memani, the chairman of Ernst & Young India, expressed his sorrow over Anna’s passing and reiterated the company’s commitment to employee well-being, promising to prioritize creating a supportive work environment. He acknowledged the profound impact of these incidents on families and vowed to take decisive action to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As discussions around workplace mental health intensify, the community reflects on the importance of creating healthier work environments that support employees both mentally and emotionally.
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