Outrage erupted in India after a man in Odisha’s Keonjhar district allegedly carried his sister’s exhumed skeletal remains to a rural bank in a desperate attempt to withdraw ₹19,300 from her account, exposing concerns over rigid banking procedures.
The incident occurred on Monday at the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank and quickly went viral after disturbing footage showed the man arriving with the remains, prompting shock among staff and triggering a police response.
The bank’s sponsoring institution later clarified that officials had not demanded any physical proof of death, insisting that proper documentation was the only requirement and that the situation arose from a misunderstanding of banking procedures.
The episode has since drawn strong reactions from government officials, opposition parties, and rights groups, with many describing it as a stark example of insensitivity in the handling of rural customers.
Odisha minister Suresh Pujari criticised the handling of the case, saying there was a lack of empathy in the process.
He stated, “The death certificate was not sufficient for the bank officials, and the man had to dig out a skeleton from the grave to prove that the account holder was dead.
“A humanitarian approach was lacking in the whole episode. The government will ensure that the banking officials who are responsible for this are punished.”
The man, identified as Jeetu Munda (50), had been attempting to withdraw ₹19,300 from his late sister Kalra Munda’s (56) account.
“I visited the bank several times. Though I told them that my sister had died, they kept insisting that I bring her to the bank to withdraw the money deposited in her name,” he said.
Frustrated after repeated visits, Jeetu Munda allegedly exhumed her remains and brought them to the bank, where shocked employees immediately alerted police. Officers later intervened, removing the remains and ensuring they were reburied.
Police inspector Kiran Prasad Sahu of Patana station said the man appeared unfamiliar with formal procedures. “Jeetu is illiterate. He does not know what a legal heir or a nominee is. The bank officials failed to make him understand the procedure to withdraw money in case of a kin’s death,” he said.
Indian Overseas Bank, the sponsoring bank, rejected claims that staff demanded physical proof of death, stating in a post on X that proper documentation was required.
It said, “An individual, Mr Jitu Munda, visited the branch for the first time, requesting withdrawal from an account held in his sister’s name, Kalara Munda. As per banking regulations, third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorisation. Upon being informed, he stated that the account holder was deceased.”
The bank further explained, “Our branch manager clearly explained that in the event of death, settlement can only be processed upon submission of valid documents, including a death certificate.
“The individual who was in an inebriated condition became disruptive and later returned with human remains, reportedly exhumed after being buried a few days earlier, placing them in front of the branch and claiming it to be his sister while demanding withdrawal from her account. This created a highly distressing situation at the premises.”
Following public backlash, the Keonjhar district administration stepped in, providing interim relief from the District Red Cross Fund.
“Immediately upon learning of the incident, the district administration prioritised humanity over procedure. Empathising with Jeetu Munda, the financial assistance was provided in accordance with the chief minister’s ‘Lok Seva’ approach,” officials said.
Authorities later confirmed that the outstanding amount was released after coordination between the tehsildar and bank officials.
“To ensure that the Rs 19,300 deposited in the bank reaches Jeetu Munda without any hindrance, the tehsildar coordinated with the bank authorities and handed over Rs 19,402, with interest, to Shri Munda today.”
The Biju Janata Dal described the incident as “unimaginable, crossing all limits of cruelty,” while the Congress said, “This is truly unfortunate. Such harassment by bank officials must stop.”
Officials also clarified that the nominated heir to the account had already died, leaving Jeetu Munda as the sole surviving claimant.
The district administration added that no formal application for a death certificate or legal heir certificate had been submitted earlier, though steps have now been initiated. A detailed inquiry is ongoing.
