A shocking incident from Odisha’s Keonjhar district has drawn national attention after a man carried the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank branch while trying to withdraw money from her account. The episode has sparked debate over banking procedures, rural awareness and the treatment of vulnerable communities.
The man, identified as Jeetu Munda, had been trying to access around ₹19,402 left in the account of his sister, who died earlier this year. According to local reports, he had visited the branch several times but was unable to complete the process due to a lack of required documents such as a death certificate and legal heir papers.
Frustrated and reportedly unaware of the formal claim process, Munda exhumed his sister’s remains and carried them to the bank as proof of her death. Videos of the incident quickly spread online, causing widespread shock and criticism.
Indian Overseas Bank, which sponsors Odisha Grameen Bank, later denied reports that staff had asked for the physical presence of the deceased account holder. The bank said employees had only requested valid documents needed under banking rules and stated that Munda was intoxicated during the incident.
The bank said the matter was resolved after local authorities issued the necessary death certificate and legal heir certificate. Once the documents were submitted, the claim amount was settled and handed over to the legal heirs as per procedure.
