A shocking incident from Keonjhar district in Odisha has shaken the society and exposed serious concerns regarding bureaucratic apathy.
An astonishing and disturbing scene unfolded outside the Odisha Grameen Bank branch at Mallipasi under the Patana block, when an elderly tribal man arrived carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister on his shoulders. The sight left everyone present deeply distressed.
According to reports, the tribal man identified as Jitu Munda from Dianali village had visited the bank previously to withdraw Rs 19,300 from the bank account of his sister, Kalara Munda, who passed away two months ago.
Despite informing the bank officials of her death, he was reportedly denied access to the funds.
The bank maintained that either the account holder must be present or proper legal heir documentation must be produced. However, Jitu possessed neither the required paperwork nor an understanding of such complex administrative procedures.
Driven by desperation and helplessness, Jitu took an extreme measure that has sparked widespread outrage. On Monday, he went to the village cremation ground, exhumed his sister’s remains, and carried the skeleton on his shoulders for nearly three kilometres under the scorching sun to the bank.
The distressing visuals of a man carrying skeletal remains to claim rightful funds left onlookers stunned. Locals strongly criticized the bank authorities for their perceived insensitivity, noting that the incident highlights the immense difficulties the poor face in accessing their own money.
Upon receiving information, Patana police arrived at the scene and managed to pacify Jitu. Authorities have since initiated further action to address the situation.
Sources revealed that Kalara Munda had already lost her husband and her only child, leaving Jitu as her sole surviving relative and primary support.
Meanwhile, Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Dalai said the man was unaware of the required legal procedures and acted out of frustration. At first glance, officials noted that he is not a Class-I legal heir, which is why the bank had asked for documents he could not provide.
He said that the authorities are now assisting him in completing the formalities. He is expected to apply for the necessary documents, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate. Officials are also facilitating the early release of Rs 20,000 under Red Cross assistance and coordinating with the bank to ensure the funds are eventually transferred to the rightful legal heirs.
“The tribal man was not aware of the procedural aspects. Out of frustration, he did this. Prima facie, it appears that since this man is not a class-I legal heir of his sister, the concerned bank rightly asked him for documents which he could not produce. Today, he will apply for the necessary documents. We are facilitating early processing of Red Cross Assistance of Rs 20,000, the death certificate and the legal heir certificate and release of the deposited money to the legal heirs in consultation with the bank,” he said.
