An unusual and disturbing scene played out in eastern India when an elderly man reportedly dug up his late sister’s remains and presented them at a bank in an effort to prove her death and access funds in her account.
The incident occurred on Monday in Malipasi, Keonjhar district of Odisha. The man, identified as Jitu Munda from Dianali village, had approached a branch of Odisha Grameen Bank to withdraw about ₹20,000 belonging to his elder sister, Kalara Munda, who died on January 26. However, bank officials insisted to see the account holder or enough proof of her death before granting access to the money.
After several failed attempts, Munda, who has no formal education, took a drastic step. “I told them she had died, but they did not listen. They kept saying, bring the account holder to withdraw the money. Out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought her skeleton as proof that she is no more,” he said. His action left both bank staff and customers in shock.
Police were called to the scene, with an officer, Kiran Prasad Sahu, describing the incident as a clear communication gap. “Jeetu is an illiterate tribal man. He does not understand what a legal heir or nominee means. The bank officials failed to make him understand the procedure to withdraw money from a deceased person’s account,” Sahu said.
Following the intervention, bank officials assured the man that due process would be followed to help him access the funds. The remains were later returned and reburied under police supervision. A local official, Manas Dandpat, also acknowledged the situation, saying, “Today only, I came to know about it. We will see what can be done to resolve the issue.” Authorities have since pledged to assist Munda in obtaining the necessary legal documentation to claim the money.
I don’t blame the man. That is what Bank officers do everywhere to deceased people’s account but will later withdraw the money to themselves.