Odisha Tribal Man Carries Sister’s Skeleton to Bank in Desperate Bid for Funds

In a harrowing incident that has drawn attention to procedural hurdles in rural banking, a tribal man from Keonjhar district walked nearly three kilometres carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister on his shoulder to an Odisha Gramya Bank branch after staff allegedly insisted on her physical presence to process a withdrawal.

The man, identified as Jitu Munda (also referred to as Jeetu Munda), aged around 50, from Dianali village under Patana block, reached the Mallipasi (or Maliposi) branch on Monday. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as he placed the remains on the verandah in apparent protest. Bank employees promptly alerted the police, who reached the spot and calmed the situation.

Repeated Visits Yield No Help

Jitu had been visiting the branch for several days seeking to withdraw approximately ₹20,000 (reports mention ₹19,300 to ₹20,000) from his elder sister Kalara Munda’s account. Kalara, aged 56, had passed away on January 26, 2026. According to officials, Jitu repeatedly informed the staff about her death, yet he was told to bring the account holder in person.

Local police noted that as an illiterate member of the tribal community, Jitu struggled to grasp the formal requirements involving legal heirs, succession certificates, or nominee claims. Sources familiar with the matter said the process was not clearly explained to him, adding to his frustration amid his poor economic condition. The money was reportedly crucial for his livelihood.

Extreme Step Under Scorching Sun

On Monday morning, driven by desperation, Jitu went to the burial site, exhumed his sister’s remains which had been interred about two months earlier, wrapped them in cloth, and carried the skeleton on his shoulder for nearly three kilometres in the blazing heat to the bank. He placed the remains outside the premises, stating later to reporters that he did so to prove she was no longer alive.

The sight caused immediate alarm among customers and staff. Videos and images of the skeleton kept on the bank’s verandah circulated quickly on social media, sparking widespread discussion on ground-level challenges in accessing banking services in remote tribal areas.

Background of the Claim

Kalara Munda’s account had listed her husband and son as nominees, but both had predeceased her, leaving Jitu as the sole surviving family member and claimant. Police Inspector (IIC) Kiran Prasad Sahu and other officials who intervened explained that Jitu did not understand concepts like legal heir documentation.

Local authorities have since stepped in. The administration has directed bank officials to facilitate the withdrawal for Jitu following due procedure, assuring him of necessary assistance. The skeletal remains were respectfully taken back and reburied in the presence of police.

Questions on Banking Awareness in Rural Odisha

This incident has highlighted broader issues of financial literacy and procedural sensitivity in rural and tribal regions of Odisha. Many residents in remote villages like Dianali rely on such small savings for survival, yet complex documentation requirements can prove daunting for those with limited education or access to legal help.

Officials acknowledged that while banks must follow regulatory norms to prevent fraud, greater efforts are needed in customer education, especially for vulnerable sections. Similar past cases in different parts of the country have pointed to gaps in how death claims and succession are handled at the grassroots level.

Jitu’s act, though extreme, appears born out of helplessness rather than any intent to disrupt. Police have not registered any formal case against him so far, focusing instead on resolving the financial matter and providing guidance.

Next Steps and Assurance

As of late Monday, efforts were underway to complete the paperwork so Jitu can access the funds soon. District authorities are also reviewing the bank’s handling of the case to prevent similar situations.

The episode serves as a stark reminder of the distance between policy frameworks and lived realities in India’s hinterlands, where poverty and illiteracy often collide with bureaucratic processes. Local leaders and social workers have called for simplified mechanisms and outreach programmes to improve banking access in tribal-dominated districts like Keonjhar.