In a deeply disturbing incident from the eastern Indian state of Odisha, a poor tribal man reportedly carried his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a local bank after repeated attempts to withdraw her savings were unsuccessful.
The man, identified in local reports as Jeetu Munda, had been trying for weeks to access nearly Rs. 19,000 to Rs. 20,000 — roughly 200 US dollars — that his late sister had left behind in her account. According to reports, his sister had died earlier this year, and Jeetu, who is believed to be her only surviving family member, was desperate to retrieve the small amount of money to manage his daily survival.
Jeetu allegedly visited the bank several times, explaining to officials that his sister had passed away. But because he could not produce formal documents such as a death certificate or legal heir papers, the withdrawal was denied. In one of the most heartbreaking details of the case, the man claimed bank staff repeatedly told him to “bring the account holder” if he wanted the money released.
Unable to understand the complex banking process and overwhelmed by poverty, the grieving brother took an unimaginable step. He reportedly exhumed his sister’s remains from her grave and carried the skeleton to the bank as proof that she was no longer alive.
The shocking sight stunned bank employees and local residents. Police were later called to the scene, and authorities intervened to calm the situation. Officers later said the incident appeared to be the result of a serious communication failure, combined with a lack of awareness among both the family and bank officials regarding proper procedure.
Following public outrage, the bank issued a clarification, saying officials had only asked for legal documentation required under banking rules and that the incident happened because the man did not fully understand the process. The bank also said the withdrawal would now be handled on priority once the required paperwork is completed.
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