Keonjhar: Frustrated after repeated denial by bank officials, a tribal man in Keonjhar district exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains to prove her death and claim her savings on Monday.
The incident occurred in Malipasi area under Patna block of Keonjhar, which shocked the bank officials and customers alike. The man, identified as Jitu Munda (55), had approached the Odisha Grameen Bank several times to withdraw the savings of his sister, Kalara Munda of Diananali village, who had died two months earlier. Bank authorities, however, asked him to furnish the proof of her death and other required documents before processing the claim of Rs 19,400.
Unaware of formal procedures and unable to comprehend the requirement of documentary proof, Munda exhumed his sister’s remains, placed them in a sack, and carried them to the bank as evidence. Police from Patna police station intervened after being alerted. “The incident occurred largely due to a lack of awareness,” officials said, adding that Munda was counselled about the proper procedures for withdrawing the money. He later returned home and reburied the remains.
While the district administration has sought a report on the incident, the block authorities assured that Munda would be helped in securing a legal heir certificate and other documents required for claiming the money.