A shocking incident in Odisha’s Keonjhar district has drawn attention to the hurdles faced by families without paperwork. A 50-year-old tribal labourer, Jitu Munda, allegedly brought his elder sister’s body to a bank after he was unable to obtain documents proving her death.
According to reports, his sister Kalra Munda (56) died two months ago due to illness. She had around ₹20,000 in her bank account, saved from selling livestock, and Jitu approached the bank to withdraw the amount after her death.
Bank officials asked him to submit a death certificate and legal-heir documents, and told him that without these, the account holder would have to appear in person. Jitu, who is illiterate, said he did not understand the procedures and claimed his repeated visits did not help.
In frustration, he exhumed his sister’s body from the burial site and carried it to the bank, triggering panic among staff and prompting a police call. Police later assured him of help, and the body was reburied in the presence of officials.
The deputy collector, Uma Shankar Dalai, said the man was not aware of rules and acted out of desperation, adding that the bank was right to ask for documents but the administration would help expedite a death certificate and legal-heir certificate. The bank, in a statement issued via Indian Overseas Bank on behalf of Odisha Gramya Bank, said procedures were explained and alleged the man was intoxicated; it maintained there was no harassment and that payment would be made once the death certificate is issued.
