Bhubaneswar: A video that surfaced online two days ago showing a man allegedly carrying his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a bank branch in Keonjhar district, Odisha, in an attempt to withdraw over Rs19,000 from her account has triggered widespread outrage and debate.
Following the viral circulation of the clip, the Odisha Grameen Bank issued a clarification, rejecting claims that bank officials had demanded the physical presence of the deceased for settlement. The bank said the situation arose due to procedural issues and the man’s inability to follow or accept the required documentation process.
In its statement posted on X, the bank said: “The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr. Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on facts.”
According to the bank, the deceased account holder, Kakra Munda, had a balance of Rs 19,402, which has now been processed in favour of her legal heirs after the submission of necessary documents. The bank also said official paperwork, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate, was received from government authorities before the claim was settled.
The bank further added: “We would like to submit that, today, the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of Rs 19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms.”
It also reiterated its service commitment, stating: “Our sponsored Regional Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, remains dedicated to serving customers with responsibility, transparency, and care.”
According to media reports, Jitu, a resident of Dianali village, had approached the bank to withdraw the remaining funds from his sister’s account after her death two months ago. With no immediate family left apart from him, he was identified as the sole surviving relative.
However, bank officials reportedly asked him to submit legal documents, including a death certificate and succession proof, before any withdrawal could be processed. Sources indicate that Munda, who is uneducated and unfamiliar with formal procedures, returned home unable to complete the requirements.
On Monday, he allegedly exhumed his sister’s remains, wrapped them, and carried them to the bank in an act that left villagers shocked and angered. Locals accused the bank of lacking sensitivity, arguing that alternative verification methods could have been explored.
Police later intervened at the branch and assured the man that the matter would be handled on humanitarian grounds. The remains were subsequently returned and reburied.
Meanwhile, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the sponsor bank of Odisha Grameen Bank, clarified that officials had not asked for the physical presence of the deceased. It stated that the requirement was strictly related to documentation, adding: “They sought valid documents, including the death certificate.”
