Proof of Death or No Money? Odisha Man Digs Up Sister’s Skeleton, Walks Into Bank

In a shocking incident from Odisha’s Keonjhar district, a tribal man allegedly brought the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank in an attempt to withdraw money from her account, police said on Monday.

The incident took place at the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Patana block. The man, identified as Jeetu Munda (50), a resident of Dianali village, was trying to withdraw Rs 20,000 deposited in the account of his elder sister, Kalra Munda (56), who died two months ago after an illness. The amount was reportedly earned through the sale of her cattle.

According to officials, Jeetu Munda had approached the bank earlier but was asked to produce a death certificate and other necessary documents. Unable to furnish the required paperwork, he allegedly exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains from her burial site and brought them to the bank as proof of her death.

Speaking to reporters, Jeetu Munda claimed that despite informing bank officials about his sister’s death, he was repeatedly asked to bring the account holder in person. “Out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought her skeleton to show that she is no more,” he said.

Patana Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Kiran Prasad Sahu, who reached the spot after being alerted, said that Jeetu Munda, being illiterate, was unaware of the legal procedures regarding withdrawal from a deceased person’s account. He added that the bank officials failed to adequately explain the process to him.

Following the incident, the police assured assistance in facilitating the withdrawal process. The skeletal remains were later reburied in the presence of the police.

Local Block Development Officer Manas Dandpat stated that he had not been approached earlier regarding the issue and assured that necessary steps would be taken to resolve the matter.

Bank sources revealed that the nominee listed in Kalra Munda’s account had also passed away, making Jeetu Munda the sole claimant. The local administration has now directed bank officials to ensure that the funds are released to him as per the rules at the earliest.

The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about procedural awareness, accessibility, and the handling of vulnerable individuals within the banking system.

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