A tribal man in Odisha reportedly dug up his deceased sister’s skeleton and brought it to a bank to prove her death. The extreme step was taken after bank officials allegedly refused to allow the withdrawal of money from his late sister`s account, claiming to be her legal heir.
According to reports, the man had repeatedly approached the bank to withdraw the money following his sister’s death. However, officials insisted on the account holder’s presence, which was not possible.
Despite explaining the situation, his requests were reportedly denied. Frustrated by the continued refusal, the man went to the cremation ground, exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains, and brought them to the bank as proof of her death. The incident drew attention from local residents and officials.
Shocker in Keonjhar
The incident took place in Keonjhar district of Odisha, the tribal man was reportedly seen carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank on April 27, according to the ANI.
Officials said his actions reportedly appeared to stem from frustration rather than intent to cause disruption.
Unaware of legal process
According to Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Dalai, the man was unaware of the legal procedures required for withdrawing funds after a person’s death, reported the ANI.
The officials noted that the man was not a Class-I legal heir, which is why the bank had asked him to provide specific documents that he was unable to produce. This led to repeated difficulties in accessing the funds, the news agency reported.
The administration is now helping him complete the required formalities. He is expected to apply for essential documents, including a death certificate and a legal heir certificate. Officials were also coordinating with the bank to ensure that the money is eventually transferred to the rightful heirs, according to the ANI.
State minister steps in
Following the incident, Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari stepped in and criticised the bank. He said, “Action needs to be taken against the bank employees for this inhuman approach. I will instruct the senior officials at the bank to not treat this as an isolated case and punish the accused. The death certificate of the person wasn`t enough for the bank employees which compelled the man to dig out his dead sister`s remains,” as per the PTI.
VIDEO | Keonjhar, Odisha: On the case of a tribal man carrying his dead sister`s skeletal remains as proof to the bank for withdrawal of money, state minister Suresh Pujari says, “I have talked to the administration regarding this. Action needs to be taken against the bank… https://t.co/WC127hxTz1 pic.twitter.com/ysvbGDVxEW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 28, 2026
Financial assistance arranged
The officials said that in the meantime, the local authorities were facilitating the early release of about Rs 20,000 as assistance through Red Cross support. Efforts were also being made to expedite the process and resolve the matter, the ANI reported.
Bank denies harassment claim
In an official statement, the Odisha Grameen Bank on Tuesday rejected allegations of harassment at its Malliposi branch in Keonjhar, calling them misleading. The bank stated that a man, identified as Jitu Munda, had visited the branch and demanded withdrawal of money from his deceased sister’s account.
According to the bank, the request was denied in line with rules, as he failed to provide the required documents. Officials also alleged that the man appeared to be allegedly intoxicated at the time.
Odisha Grameen Bank clarified that viral claims of harassment at its Malliposi branch in Keonjhar are misleading. The bank said Jitu Munda, allegedly intoxicated, demanded withdrawal from his sister’s account but was refused as per rules. He later returned with her exhumed body… pic.twitter.com/rHHnsGBacv
— IANS (@ians_india) April 28, 2026
The bank said the situation escalated when he later returned with his sister’s exhumed body in an attempt to press his claim. Police were called to the spot and removed the body.
The bank clarified that the account will be settled only after the submission of a valid death certificate and completion of due legal procedures.
(with ANI, IANS and PTI inputs)