Daijiworld Media Network – Keonjhar

Keonjhar, Apr 28: In a shocking incident born out of procedural frustration and a lack of legal awareness, a man in Odisha’s Keonjhar district exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains and carried them to a bank after officials reportedly demanded proof of her death to settle an account claim.

The incident occurred on Monday in the Patna area. The man, identified as Jitu Munda, a resident of Dianali village, had lost his elder sister to an illness approximately two months ago. Following her death, Munda sought to withdraw around Rs 19,000 deposited in her account at the local branch of Odisha Gramya Bank—money she had reportedly earned from selling her cattle.

When Munda approached the bank to claim the funds as her sole heir, officials instructed him to produce a death certificate and other supporting legal documents. Driven by a literal interpretation of the requirement to "prove she was dead," Munda went to the burial site, exhumed the remains, and carried them on his shoulders for nearly 3 km to the bank.

Startled bank staff and customers witnessed Munda staging a sit-in protest at the branch entrance, placing the remains on the ground while demanding the immediate release of the money.

Upon receiving information about the grim demonstration, personnel from the Patna police station rushed to the spot. Officers managed to pacify Munda, explaining that carrying remains did not constitute legal proof and was not the correct procedure for a claim. Police eventually convinced him to vacate the premises and assisted in making arrangements for the reburial of the remains.

"The incident occurred largely due to a lack of awareness regarding administrative procedures," a police official stated. Authorities from the Patna block have since assured Munda that he will receive assistance in obtaining a legal heir certificate and the necessary documentation to process the bank claim legitimately.