Jharkhand CM orders probe after elderly man allegedly dies without treatment over delayed pension withdrawal
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered an inquiry into the death of a 75-year-old tribal man in Garhwa district after allegations that he was unable to access his pension due to pending e-KYC formalities, leaving him without money for medical treatment.
The deceased, Ratan Lakra (75), had allegedly been visiting a bank branch in Badgadh for the past three months to withdraw his pension. According to his family, the bank repeatedly refused to release the pension, citing incomplete electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification.
Lakra's daughter-in-law, Phulmani Lakra, alleged that the family repeatedly requested bank officials, including the regional manager, to complete the e-KYC process as the elderly man urgently needed money for treatment.
She claimed that although the e-KYC was eventually completed following the regional manager's intervention, the pension amount could not be withdrawn in time and Lakra died on Monday without receiving the medical care he needed. The family staged a protest outside the bank branch, demanding accountability.
Responding to the allegations, a bank official said that after the e-KYC process was completed, no family member visited the branch to withdraw the pension amount.
Taking note of the incident through a social media post, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the Garhwa Deputy Commissioner to conduct a prompt investigation, submit a detailed report and take strict action against those found responsible.
Following the Chief Minister's directive, Garhwa Deputy Commissioner Pashupati Nath Mishra constituted an inquiry team and instructed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ranka to carry out a detailed investigation. He assured that strict action would be taken if any negligence is established and that all eligible government assistance would be provided to the deceased's family.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over delays in pension disbursal and the challenges faced by elderly beneficiaries in completing mandatory digital verification processes.
