Odisha Bank Settles Claim After Man Brings Sister’s Skeleton to Branch

A shocking incident from Odisha has drawn national attention after a man brought his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a bank branch to withdraw money from her account. Following public outrage, Odisha Grameen Bank confirmed that the claim has now been settled.

The bank stated that ₹19,402 has been released to the legal heirs after the required documents, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate, were submitted.

The incident involved Jitu Munda from Keonjhar district, whose sister Kakra Munda had died two months ago. With no immediate family members surviving, Jitu approached the bank to withdraw the remaining funds from her account. However, he was asked to provide official documents to process the claim.

Unable to understand the formal procedures and reportedly lacking awareness, Jitu returned to the village cremation ground, exhumed his sister’s remains, and carried them to the bank—an act that triggered widespread shock and criticism.

In a statement, the bank said reports claiming that officials demanded the physical presence of the deceased were “incorrect”. It added that the man was unwilling to follow the explained procedures and lacked awareness of the process.

Local residents criticised the situation, alleging insensitivity and arguing that authorities could have verified details at the village level instead of insisting solely on paperwork.

Police later intervened, assuring assistance on humanitarian grounds. The remains were subsequently reburied.

The bank reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible service, while its sponsor, Indian Overseas Bank, clarified that standard documentation such as a death certificate is mandatory for claim settlement.a