An elderly man in eastern India caused shock and confusion at a local bank after exhuming his late sister’s remains in a desperate attempt to prove her death and access money in her account.
The incident occurred on Monday in the Malipasi area of Keonjhar district in Odisha, according to a report by The Hindu.
The man, identified as Jitu Munda from Dianali village, had visited the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Patana block to withdraw about Rs 20,000 belonging to his elder sister, Kalara Munda, who died on January 26.
Bank officials, however, requested official documentation before processing the withdrawal.
In a dramatic turn, Munda reportedly dug up his sister’s skeleton and brought it to the bank as proof of her death, leaving staff and customers stunned.
Speaking on the incident, Munda said his repeated attempts to convince the bank had failed due to his limited understanding of formal procedures.
“I told them she had died, but they did not listen. They kept saying, bring the account holder to withdraw the money. Out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought her skeleton as proof that she is no more,” he said.
The development prompted officers from the Patana police division to visit the bank after being alerted.
A police official, Kiran Prasad Sahu, said the situation underscored a communication gap between the bank and the man.
“He is an illiterate tribal man who does not understand what a legal heir or nominee means. The bank officials failed to properly explain the procedure required to withdraw money from a deceased person’s account,” Sahu said.
Following police intervention, bank officials assured Munda that steps would be taken to help him access the funds in line with due process.
The remains were later returned and reburied at the gravesite in the presence of police personnel.
Reports indicated that the situation was further complicated because the nominee on the account had also died, leaving Munda as the only surviving claimant.
A local official, Manas Dandpat, said authorities only became aware of the situation recently and pledged to resolve it.
“We will see what can be done to address the issue,” he said, adding that steps had been initiated to ensure the man receives the funds in accordance with the law.
Authorities in the Patana block also assured that Munda would be assisted in obtaining a legal heir certificate and other required documentation to facilitate access to the money.
