Man Brings Skeleton to Bank, Sparks Uproar in Odisha; Bank Denies Claims

A shocking incident in Odisha’s Keonjhar saw a man bringing his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank over withdrawal issues. The bank denied asking for physical presence, citing lack of awareness about legal procedures as the root cause.

New Delhi: A shocking incident has emerged from the Keonjhar district, where a tribal man arrived at a bank carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister. This incident created a sensation throughout the region and quickly went viral on social media.

It is reported that the man wanted to withdraw money from his late sister's bank account but faced difficulties because the necessary procedures had not been completed.

What did the bank say?

Addressing the controversy, Indian Overseas Bank issued a clarification stating that the reports circulating in the media are misleading. According to the bank, this matter pertains to the Malliposi branch of its associate institution, the Odisha Gramin Bank.

The bank explicitly clarified that no employee had ever asked for the deceased account holder to be physically brought to the bank.

How ​​did the dispute begin?

According to reports, a man named Jitu Munda visited the bank to withdraw money from his sister, Kalara Munda's, account. Bank officials informed him of the following:

• A third party is not permitted to withdraw money directly.
• Necessary documents and authorization are required for such transactions.

When he informed them that his sister had passed away, the bank officials explained the legal procedures involved.

Rules for withdrawing money after death

According to the bank, if an account holder passes away:

• Submission of a death certificate is mandatory.
• Other necessary documents must also be submitted alongside it.
• Only then can funds be withdrawn from the account.

These rules are established to safeguard the account holder's funds.

What happened next?

The bank states that the man subsequently returned—allegedly in an intoxicated state—and began creating a ruckus. He then brought his sister's skeletal remains, placed them outside the bank, and began demanding the money.

This incident caused chaos and panic on the bank premises.

Police Intervention Required

As the situation escalated, the police were immediately summoned. With the police present, the situation was brought under control, and further action was initiated.

The bank has stated the following:

• The funds belonging to the deceased account holder are completely secure.
• Arrangements are being made, in coordination with the local administration, to facilitate the issuance of a death certificate.
• As soon as the necessary documentation is complete, the claim will be settled on a priority basis.

Why did this issue escalate?

This incident has garnered significant attention because

• A lack of awareness regarding established regulations came to light.
• Misunderstandings arose in what was already a sensitive matter.

The highly unusual act of arriving at the bank carrying a human skeleton left everyone shocked.