In a shocking incident in Keonjhar, Odisha, a tribal man carried the skeletal remains of his sister to a bank to prove that she was dead, enabling him to claim Rs 19,402 she had left behind. Jitu Munda, 50, received the amount on Tuesday after authorities issued a death certificate and a legal heir certificate to facilitate the transaction.
Heart-Rending Video Goes Viral
A video of Jitu Munda carrying his sister Kala's skeletal remains in a sack to the Odisha Grameen Bank's Mallipasi branch on Monday went viral, drawing widespread attention. The district administration, moved by his plight, also provided him with Rs 30,000 as aid from the District Red Cross Fund.
Background of the Incident
Jitu, a resident of Dianali village in Keonjhar district—the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi—had dug up the remains after bank staff informed him that he could not withdraw the money without documentary proof of his sister's death.
Jitu told officials that he did not understand the formal procedure. "I was asked to prove whether my sister was alive or dead. Since I had no papers, I brought her remains to show that she was dead," he said.
Bank's Perspective
Bank officials explained that Jitu was informed about the requirement of death and legal heir certificates because he was not the nominee of the account. "As per rules, third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorisation," an official stated.
Kala Munda, 56, had died on January 26 and was buried near the family's residence in accordance with local customs.
Resolution and Aftermath
OGB Mallipasi branch manager Sushanta Sethy confirmed, "After receiving death and legal heir certificates, Rs 19,402 was paid to Jitu." State minister Sampad Chandra Swain said that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of lapses. The district administration announced that an inquiry is being conducted into the matter.
