Keonjhar: In a shocking incident highlighting alleged bureaucratic apathy, an elderly man in Keonjhar district exhumed the skeletal remains of his deceased sister and carried them nearly three kilometres to a bank branch to demand release of her savings.
The incident occurred in front of the Odisha Grameen Bank branch at Mallipasi under Patana block.
According to reports, Jitu Munda of Dianali village approached the bank a few days ago to withdraw ₹19,300 deposited in the account of his sister, Kalara Munda, who had died two months ago. However, the branch manager reportedly refused to release the money, insisting that the account holder must be present or that legal heir documentation be produced.
Despite informing officials about his sister’s death, Jitu was allegedly asked to bring proof of legal heirship. Distressed and desperate, he went to the village cremation ground on Monday, exhumed his sister’s remains, and carried the skeleton on his shoulders to the bank under the scorching sun.
Eyewitnesses said Jitu placed the skeletal remains on the bank’s verandah and demanded that the money be handed over, leaving onlookers stunned and disturbed by the scene.
Locals criticised the bank authorities for their alleged insensitivity, saying the incident exposed the hardships faced by the poor in accessing their own money.
On being informed by bank staff, police from Patana reached the spot and pacified Jitu.
Sources said Kalara Munda had lost her husband and only child earlier, and Jitu was her sole surviving relative.
