Bank Negligence Found in Keonjhar Corpse Exhumation Case
An administrative probe by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of the Northern Division has prima facie found negligence by a bank branch that led Jitu Munda (50) to exhume his sister's corpse and carry the skeletal remains to prove her death in an effort to withdraw Rs 19,402 from her account.
The inquiry also flagged an inordinate delay in issuing her death certificate to Jitu.
RDC Investigation
RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra reached Keonjhar on Wednesday and visited Patna block on Thursday to probe the incident. On Monday, Jitu carried his sister Kala's (56) skeleton to the Odisha Grameen Bank branch at Malliposi after the bank allegedly sought death and legal heir certificates to allow him to withdraw the money.
Accompanied by Keonjhar district collector Vishal Singh and senior bank officials, the RDC visited Dianali village under Erendei gram panchayat and recorded Jitu's statement. He later inspected the Odisha Grameen Bank's Malliposi branch, reviewed CCTV footage for nearly an hour, and questioned the staff.
Preliminary Findings
Citing preliminary findings, the RDC said the bank officials were familiar with Jitu and his sister, who had visited the branch multiple times to withdraw small amounts. Given this, the bank should have exercised due diligence when he came alone seeking a larger withdrawal. This indicates negligence, he said, adding that action would follow submission of the final report.
The RDC also ordered a probe into the delay in issuing the death certificate. The death was registered in February. Why was there a delay of several months in issuing the certificate? he asked.
Police Lapses Possible
He further pointed to possible lapses by the police. The skeletal remains could have been transported in a vehicle instead of making him carry it back. This aspect is also under inquiry, the RDC said.
Review of CCTV footage showed Jitu entering the bank around 11:26 am and leaving at 11:58 am. Though the footage has no audio, officials said he approached the manager and cashier multiple times. His body language suggested distress before he left the branch. He later went home and returned with the skeletal remains.
ATM Card Issue
The RDC also questioned the bank for not issuing Jitu an ATM card. Branch officials said cards are not provided to illiterate customers to prevent misuse. The RDC directed district authorities to ensure effective implementation of welfare measures for tribal communities and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
