Indian Man Digs Up Sister’s Skeleton To Prove Death, Claim Savings

An elderly man in eastern India caused a stir and confusion at a local bank after exhuming his late sister’s remains in a desperate attempt to prove her death and access funds in her account.

According to a report by The Hindu, the incident occurred on Monday in the Malipasi area of Keonjhar district in Odisha.

It all began when the man, identified as Jitu Munda from Dianali village visited the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Patana block to withdraw about Rs 20,000 belonging to his elder sister, Kalara Munda, who died on January 26.

However, bank officials declined his request, asking him to provide the necessary documentation required to process the claim.

Frustrated by repeated failed attempts and his inability to meet the documentation requirements, Munda resorted to an extreme measure. He exhumed his sister’s skeleton and brought it to the bank as proof of her death, leaving staff and customers stunned.

“I told them she had died, but they did not listen. They kept saying, bring the account holder to withdraw the money. Out of frustration, I dug the grave and brought her skeleton as proof that she is no more,” he said.

The shocking development prompted a response from the Patana police division after the incident was reported.

A police official, Kiran Prasad Sahu, said the situation exposed a gap in communication between the bank and the claimant.

“Jeetu is an illiterate tribal man. He does not understand what a legal heir or nominee means. The bank officials failed to properly explain the procedure for accessing funds belonging to a deceased person,” Sahu said.

Following police intervention, bank officials assured that Munda would be guided through the proper process to access the funds in line with legal requirements.

The remains were subsequently returned and reburied at the gravesite under police supervision.

Reports indicated that the situation was further complicated by the fact that the nominee listed on the account had also died, leaving Munda as the only surviving claimant.

A local official, Manas Dandpat, said authorities had only just become aware of the case and pledged to resolve it.

“Today only, I came to know about it. We will see what can be done to resolve the issue,” he said.

Authorities in Patana block have since assured that Munda will be assisted in obtaining a legal heir certificate and other necessary documents to enable him to access the funds lawfully.