In a heartbreaking incident in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, a tribal man named Jeetu Munda was forced to take an extreme step to get his sister’s savings. After his sister, Kalra, passed away in January 2026, Jeetu tried several times to withdraw the ₹20,000 left in her account at the Odisha Grameen Bank.
Despite explaining that she had died, Jeetu claims the bank staff repeatedly told him that the account holder had to be present in person to take out the money. Frustrated and not knowing how to navigate legal paperwork like death certificates or heirship claims, the 50-year-old laborer eventually dug up his sister’s grave and carried her skeleton to the bank to prove she was truly dead.
The situation highlights a tragic gap between strict banking rules and the reality of life for rural, uneducated citizens. Local police and officials noted that:
- Jeetu is illiterate: He did not understand technical terms like “nominee” or “legal heir.”
- A complex claim: The original nominee for the account had also died, making it even harder for Jeetu to access the funds.
- Lack of guidance: Authorities suggested the bank failed to clearly explain the proper legal steps to a grieving and confused man.
After the police were called to the bank, they intervened to help Jeetu. Officials have now promised to assist him with the necessary formalities so he can finally receive the money. The police also accompanied Jeetu back to his village to ensure his sister’s remains were properly reburied.
While the money is now being processed, the incident has sparked a heated debate about the lack of empathy and clear communication shown to vulnerable people by local authorities and financial institutions.
Leave a comment