Bhubaneswar: In a swift response to a deeply disturbing incident that sparked widespread outrage, the district administration in Odisha’s Keonjhar has provided immediate social security benefits to Jitu Munda, a 50-year-old tribal resident of Dianali village under Patana block.
The tribal man had exhumed the skeletal remains of his deceased sister, who passed away on January 26 without any legal heirs, and carried them nearly 3 km to Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank on April 27. He did so in a desperate bid to withdraw her savings of Rs 19,402, which she had reportedly deposited after selling oxen, after bank officials reportedly insisted on a death certificate and other documents.
According to sources, Munda has been enrolled in the state government’s old-age pension scheme. Arrangements have also been made for an electricity connection to his house, and authorities have issued him a new ration card under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
While the bank settled the claim amount on April 28, financial assistance of Rs 30,000 from the District Red Cross Fund was also provided to him earlier.
Meanwhile, the initial investigation by Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Northern Division, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra pointed to negligence by the bank staff, who allegedly did not cooperate with him. “I spoke to the bank officials and Jitu Munda. Preliminary findings indicate that the bank was at fault. Munda and his sister had visited the bank several times in the past and withdrawn money. Munda is not illiterate, but he is ignorant of banking procedures,” Mohapatra told reporters.
The probe, ordered by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, aims to identify any lapses, fix accountability, and suggest measures to prevent similar episodes. The CM, who represents the Keonjhar assembly segment, has also directed officials to show greater sensitivity toward vulnerable citizens.
The bank had earlier disputed aspects of the claims, stating that staff only sought required documents and that the man appeared unwilling to follow explained procedures and was intoxicated at the time.
The viral video of Munda walking with the remains wrapped in cloth triggered massive public anger across Odisha and drew national as well as international media attention, with many criticising bureaucratic insensitivity and rigid procedures in rural banking. Opposition parties targeted the state government, demanding accountability.
