A dramatic confrontation unfolded at a rural bank branch in Odisha when an illiterate tribal man dug up his sister’s grave and paraded her skeleton to prove her death and access her savings. The Keonjhar incident, which occurred Monday afternoon around 1 PM in Mallipasi village under Patna police limits, left bank employees in panic and drew swift police intervention.
Chairman Rishi Singh of Odisha Gramin Bank described the episode as ‘profoundly tragic’ during a press briefing in Bhubaneswar. He recounted that Jitu, the aggrieved brother, initially approached the branch seeking to withdraw Rs 19,300 from his late sister’s account, which had been dormant since her death two months ago. Staff explained the mandatory requirements: death certificate, legal heir certificate, and verification, especially since the nominee was also dead.
Undeterred and frustrated, Jitu returned with skeletal remains stuffed in a bag, insisting it was irrefutable evidence. Chaos ensued as horrified onlookers witnessed the macabre display. Police arrived promptly, engaged in dialogue, and escorted Jitu away after he agreed to reinter the bones.
Singh clarified the bank’s stance, stressing compliance with regulatory settlement procedures. ‘Our hands are tied by law; payments occur only to authenticated heirs or nominees after due process,’ he said. The case had been under review for some time, with repeated counsel to Jitu for documentation, yet local authority endorsements remained outstanding.
Following the uproar, the bank conducted a thorough internal probe. Regional managers submitted detailed reports post-site visits. Singh promised expeditious payment upon completion of verifications, reaffirming the institution’s dedication to fair dealings.
This harrowing tale exposes gaps in financial literacy among tribal populations and prompts questions about empathetic handling of such cases. It serves as a stark reminder for banks to bridge communication barriers in remote areas, preventing future escalations while upholding integrity.
