Claim settled for death certificate: Bank after Odisha man brings sister's skeleton
The man, identified as Jeetu Munda (50) of Dianali village, was seeking to withdraw Rs 20,000 from the bank account of his elder sister, Kalra Munda (56), who died on January 26, 2026.
In a case that shocked the nation and quickly turned into a viral talking point, a tribal man walked into a rural bank branch in Odisha carrying what he claimed was proof of death to withdraw about Rs 19,500 — his sister’s skeleton.
After the incident made headlines, Indian Overseas Bank issued a clarification, rejecting claims that its officials had demanded the physical presence of the deceased to process the withdrawal. The bank said the amount of Rs 19,402 was released after the government issued the death certificate and legal heir certificate on Tuesday.
WHAT HAPPENED IN KEONJHAR
The incident unfolded at the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Keonjhar district, where Jeetu Munda, 50, sought to withdraw 20,000 from the account of his sister Kalra Munda, who had died two months ago.
According to police, Munda had visited the bank earlier but was asked to submit a death certificate and other documents required under banking rules. Unable to furnish them, he returned on Monday with skeletal remains exhumed from her burial site.
"I have run to the bank several times, and the people there told me to bring the account holder to withdraw money deposited in her name. Though I told them that she had died, they did not listen to me and insisted on bringing her to the bank. Therefore, out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought out her skeleton as proof of her death," an illiterate Jeetu Munda told reporters.
Police later intervened, and the remains were reburied in the presence of officials.
BANK'S CLARIFICATION
Responding to the outrage, Indian Overseas Bank, which sponsors Odisha Grameen Bank, clarified that it had made no such demand for the physical presence of the deceased, also saying that the claim was settled as per the norms.
"The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr. Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on facts," the bank said in its latest statement.
"Today (Tuesday) the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of 19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms," the bank added in a late night post on social media.
In an earlier statement, the bank said officials clearly informed the man that third-party withdrawals are not allowed without proper authorisation and that a death certificate is mandatory for claim settlement.
The bank also claimed that the individual was “inebriated” and later returned with human remains, creating a “highly distressing situation,” after which police were immediately alerted.
“The incident appears to have arisen due to a lack of awareness of the claim settlement process,” the bank said, adding that its intent was to safeguard the depositor’s money and follow due procedure.
It further said there was no harassment, and that the bank is coordinating with local authorities to help issue the death certificate so the claim can be settled on priority.
POLICE AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE
Patana police inspector Kiran Prasad Sahu described Munda as an illiterate tribal man unfamiliar with legal procedures such as nominee or heir claims.
“The bank officials have failed to make him understand the procedure,” he said, pointing to a communication gap rather than malice.
Local Block Development Officer Manas Dandpat said authorities were not approached earlier but would now step in to resolve the issue.
Officials also confirmed that the nominee listed in Kalra Munda’s account had died, making Jeetu Munda the sole claimant.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The local administration has directed the bank to ensure that the rightful claimant receives the money after due verification.
Behind the shocking visuals lies a more routine but critical issue — the gap between formal banking processes and ground-level awareness.
Or, as the episode bluntly shows, when paperwork meets poverty and confusion, even the unthinkable can become someone’s last proof.
In a case that shocked the nation and quickly turned into a viral talking point, a tribal man walked into a rural bank branch in Odisha carrying what he claimed was proof of death to withdraw about Rs 19,500 — his sister’s skeleton.
After the incident made headlines, Indian Overseas Bank issued a clarification, rejecting claims that its officials had demanded the physical presence of the deceased to process the withdrawal. The bank said the amount of Rs 19,402 was released after the government issued the death certificate and legal heir certificate on Tuesday.
WHAT HAPPENED IN KEONJHAR
The incident unfolded at the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Keonjhar district, where Jeetu Munda, 50, sought to withdraw 20,000 from the account of his sister Kalra Munda, who had died two months ago.
According to police, Munda had visited the bank earlier but was asked to submit a death certificate and other documents required under banking rules. Unable to furnish them, he returned on Monday with skeletal remains exhumed from her burial site.
"I have run to the bank several times, and the people there told me to bring the account holder to withdraw money deposited in her name. Though I told them that she had died, they did not listen to me and insisted on bringing her to the bank. Therefore, out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought out her skeleton as proof of her death," an illiterate Jeetu Munda told reporters.
Police later intervened, and the remains were reburied in the presence of officials.
BANK'S CLARIFICATION
Responding to the outrage, Indian Overseas Bank, which sponsors Odisha Grameen Bank, clarified that it had made no such demand for the physical presence of the deceased, also saying that the claim was settled as per the norms.
"The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr. Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on facts," the bank said in its latest statement.
"Today (Tuesday) the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of 19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms," the bank added in a late night post on social media.
In an earlier statement, the bank said officials clearly informed the man that third-party withdrawals are not allowed without proper authorisation and that a death certificate is mandatory for claim settlement.
The bank also claimed that the individual was “inebriated” and later returned with human remains, creating a “highly distressing situation,” after which police were immediately alerted.
“The incident appears to have arisen due to a lack of awareness of the claim settlement process,” the bank said, adding that its intent was to safeguard the depositor’s money and follow due procedure.
It further said there was no harassment, and that the bank is coordinating with local authorities to help issue the death certificate so the claim can be settled on priority.
POLICE AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE
Patana police inspector Kiran Prasad Sahu described Munda as an illiterate tribal man unfamiliar with legal procedures such as nominee or heir claims.
“The bank officials have failed to make him understand the procedure,” he said, pointing to a communication gap rather than malice.
Local Block Development Officer Manas Dandpat said authorities were not approached earlier but would now step in to resolve the issue.
Officials also confirmed that the nominee listed in Kalra Munda’s account had died, making Jeetu Munda the sole claimant.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The local administration has directed the bank to ensure that the rightful claimant receives the money after due verification.
Behind the shocking visuals lies a more routine but critical issue — the gap between formal banking processes and ground-level awareness.
Or, as the episode bluntly shows, when paperwork meets poverty and confusion, even the unthinkable can become someone’s last proof.
