On Monday, an elderly tribal man in Odisha’s Keonjhar district identified as Jitu Munda (55) shocked bank officials and customers alike when he brought the skeletal remains of his deceased sister Ms. Kalara Munda to prove her death and claim the money in her account.

The incident occurred in the Malipasi area under the Patna block of Keonjhar, the 55-year-old had approached the Odisha Grameen Bank to withdraw his late sister savings who had died two months earlier.

As per banking regulations, third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorization. Upon being informed, he stated that the account holder was deceased, the Branch Manager clearly explained that in the event of death, settlement can only be processed upon submission of valid documents, including a death certificate.

The individual who was in an inebriated condition became disruptive and later returned with human remains, reportedly exhumed after being buried a few days earlier, placed them in a sack, and carried them to the bank as evidence, claiming it to be his sister while demanding withdrawal from her account, his act left customers and staff stunned.

The incident appears to have arisen due to a lack of awareness of the claim settlement process and the individual’s unwillingness to accept the procedures explained by the Branch Manager.

This reportedly created a highly distressing situation at the premises. Local police authorities were immediately informed, and the matter was handled under their supervision.

Police from Patna police station intervened after being alerted. “The incident occurred largely due to a lack of awareness,” officials said, adding that Mr. Munda was counselled about the proper procedures for withdrawing the money. He later returned home and reburied the remains.

Authorities in the Patna block assured that Mr. Munda would be helped in securing a legal heir certificate and other documents required for claiming the money in the account.