Keonjhar Man's Ordeal Continues After Exhuming Sister's Remains for Bank
Jitu Munda's troubles are far from over. After being denied withdrawal from his sister's account by Odisha Grameen Bank and asked to provide her death certificate, Jitu exhumed her skeletal remains and brought them to the bank as proof. The incident sparked outrage, prompting the bank and district administration to intervene and release the money to Jitu (50).
Community Traditions Mandate Repeated Rituals
Now, having performed the last rites of his sister according to local customs a few months ago, Jitu must do it all over again and also host a feast for community members. Goura Charan Munda, president of Adivasi Ho Samaj Mahasabha, explained, “It is unfortunate. As per our tradition, anyone who buries a body must perform the last rites. Since the burial was done again, he has to conduct the rituals again. We will consult his family and villagers and guide him accordingly.”
Another community member, Ranaray Mundia, added that Jitu would also need to organize the customary feast. “He will spend according to his capacity, but the rites are mandatory,” he said.
Jitu expressed relief at receiving the money. “I am happy the bank responded and gave me the amount. I will follow my community’s tradition and organise a feast as per my capacity,” he said.
Administrative and Human Rights Inquiries Launched
On Wednesday, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Range, began an administrative probe into the circumstances that forced Jitu to carry his sister’s skeletal remains to the bank. “The RDC met district officials in Keonjhar on Wednesday evening and is scheduled to visit Dianali village under Patna police limits on Thursday,” a government official said.
The development comes as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ordered a separate inquiry into the incident. Taking cognizance of a complaint filed by rights activist Manoj Jena, the NHRC directed the Keonjhar district collector and superintendent of police to conduct an inquiry and submit an action taken report within a week. It also asked the chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank to submit a separate action taken report within the same timeframe.
According to the complaint, Jitu of Dianali village approached the Mallipashi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank on April 27 to withdraw money from the account of his deceased sister, Kala Munda (56). The activist alleged that bank officials insisted the account holder must be “physically present” and demanded a death certificate and legal heir certificate to hand over the money.
“In distress, he exhumed his sister’s remains and carried them to the bank,” the complaint stated, terming it a gross violation of human rights. The NHRC observed that the incident indicated “serious violation” of dignity, causing psychological distress to the man and disrespect to the deceased. It said the episode undermined efforts to bring tribal communities into the formal banking system.
Political Reactions
A BJD fact-finding team led by Ghasipura MLA Badrinarayan Patra visited the village and demanded a judicial probe, calling the incident “inhumane.” BJP MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, however, denied administrative lapses, saying officials acted promptly to assist the man.
