Man Carries Sister’s Exhumed Body to Bank to Retrieve Money Because He Didn’t Have Her Death Certificate

A shocking incident has captured attention in eastern India, where a 52-year-old man exhumed his sister’s remains and transported them to a local branch of Indian Overseas Bank in a desperate attempt to claim her financial assets. Jitu Munda, from a tribal community in Odisha, made headlines when he brought the remains of his sister, Kalara Munda, to the bank, claiming that he had been unable to prove her death without a death certificate.

Reports indicate that Munda was seeking access to approximately 19,402 rupees (around £200) left behind by his sister. He stated that bank officials informed him that he could not withdraw the funds without proper documentation confirming her death. In his frustration, Munda took the extraordinary step of exhuming her body to serve as physical evidence of her demise.

“I was asked to prove whether my sister was alive or dead,” Munda explained, as captured by various news sources, including the BBC and The Times of India. “Since I had no papers, I brought her remains to show that she was dead.” This surreal act of desperation sparked a wave of criticism and debate over the processes involved in claiming money after the death of a bank account holder.

The Indian Overseas Bank responded to the incident, stating that allegations suggesting staff requested Munda to bring the physical presence of the deceased were unfounded. According to a spokesperson, the misunderstanding arose from a lack of awareness regarding the claim settlement process, and Munda’s reported inebriation contributed to the confusion. Bank officials claimed that they had clearly explained the steps required to obtain the funds, which included producing a death certificate.

The incident, which became widely circulated on social media, led to a disturbing scene at the bank. Following the incident, local police were called to the scene to manage the situation. In the wake of public outcry, government officials in Odisha acted swiftly, reportedly issuing the necessary death and legal heir certificates so that Munda could access his sister’s money.

Suresh Pujari, the revenue minister of Odisha, has announced that an investigation is underway regarding the behaviours of the bank staff, particularly the conduct of the branch manager. Pujari assured that appropriate actions would be taken against individuals found to be at fault for their roles in this distressing event.

Critics of the bank and local authorities highlighted a breakdown in communication and support for families during the mourning process. In India, when a bank account holder passes away without naming a nominee, family members typically face a complicated bureaucracy that requires extensive documentation to access any remaining funds. This process can be especially taxing in less accessible regions.

In response to the troubling incident, Munda was later approached by local authorities, who advised him to return his sister’s remains to a proper resting place. Furthermore, officials offered him 30,000 rupees (approximately £316) in assistance, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances he faced.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of bereaved family members in financial institutions and the need for clearer processes that respect both the emotional and logistical challenges they face. As this story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of banks and the ways in which they handle such sensitive matters.

As authorities investigate further, both the Indian Overseas Bank and regional officials face scrutiny over their roles in this deeply unsettling episode. The hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent similar experiences in the future.