Chennai techie dies by killing self amidst work pressure and depression, police report
PTC News Desk: A 38-year-old software engineer, Karthikeyan, tragically died by suicide at his home in Chennai, where he reportedly electrocuted himself. His wife discovered him tangled in a live wire upon her return home on Thursday night. Originally from Theni district in Tamil Nadu, Karthikeyan lived in Chennai with his wife, Jayarani, and their two young children, aged 10 and 8.
Karthikeyan had been employed at a software firm for 15 years and had been struggling with depression for the past two months, primarily due to work-related stress. Prior to the incident, he had expressed feelings of being overwhelmed by the pressure of his job.
At the time of the incident, Karthikeyan was alone at home. His wife had traveled to Thirunallur temple, approximately 300 kilometers away, on Monday and left their children at her mother’s place. When she returned to their home on Thursday night and received no response after knocking, she used a spare key to enter, only to find her husband in a distressing situation.
Following the incident, police registered a case of unnatural death, and an investigation is underway.
Karthikeyan’s death has sparked significant concern about toxic work environments, especially in light of a recent case involving a 26-year-old chartered accountant, Anna Sebastian Perayil, who also died by suicide. The Union Labour Ministry is now investigating her death after her mother alleged that a high-pressure work culture at Ernst & Young contributed to Anna’s declining health.
Anna’s mother detailed her daughter’s grueling work schedule, noting that Anna often worked late into the night and on weekends, leading to extreme exhaustion. When she raised concerns about the overwhelming workload, she received a dismissive response, exacerbating her stress.
In response, Ernst & Young India chairman Rajiv Memani expressed deep condolences to Anna’s family and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to employee well-being, stating that the company prioritizes creating a supportive work environment. He emphasized the importance of addressing such issues and ensuring that employees feel supported in their roles.
The increasing focus on mental health and workplace culture is becoming a critical conversation as these tragic events unfold, highlighting the need for companies to reassess their practices and prioritise the well-being of their employees.
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