A heartbreaking incident from India has sparked widespread outrage after a tribal man reportedly carried his deceased sister’s remains to a bank just to prove she had died and access her small savings.
According to Beyond Time News, the incident took place in Odisha, where Jitu Munda struggled for weeks to withdraw money—around Rs19,300 to Rs20,000—from his late sister Kalra Munda’s bank account.
A Desperate Step After Repeated Rejections
Kalra Munda, around 56 years old, had passed away nearly two months earlier. However, her brother Jitu, who is illiterate, was unable to complete the formalities required by the bank, such as providing a death certificate or legal heir documentation.
He claimed that bank officials insisted the account holder must appear in person to authorize the withdrawal. With no guidance and no clear path forward, Jitu became increasingly desperate.
In a shocking move, he exhumed his sister’s remains and walked nearly three kilometres to the local bank branch, placing the bones outside as proof of her death. The incident quickly drew public attention and criticism.
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Authorities Step In
Police officials later arrived at the scene and acknowledged that Jitu was unaware of legal procedures, while bank staff had failed to properly assist him. Authorities assured that he would now receive help in accessing the funds.
The remains were respectfully reburied in the presence of police.
Strong Political Reactions
The incident triggered strong reactions from political leaders and parties across India.
Members of the Indian National Congress condemned the situation, calling it an example of how the system fails the poor. They highlighted the contrast between large financial relief given to wealthy sectors and the struggles faced by marginalized individuals.
Leaders from the Communist Party of India also criticized the case, describing it as a reflection of systemic failure and a lack of support for vulnerable communities.
A Larger Concern
This incident has raised serious questions about access to basic services, especially for marginalized and illiterate individuals. It highlights the need for better awareness, simpler procedures, and more compassionate handling of such cases by institutions.
For many observers, the episode underscores a deeper issue—how bureaucratic systems can sometimes overlook the very people they are meant to serve.
