The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has instructed the Keonjhar Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to investigate an incident where a tribal man transported his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank. This action followed alleged demands by officials for a death certificate and legal heir certificate to process a death claim. Noted rights activist Manoj Jena’s petition on April 28 prompted the NHRC’s directive for an inquiry, with a request for an Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week upon completion.
The NHRC also mandated the Chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank to provide a separate ATR within seven days regarding the same issue. The complaint highlighted the case of Jeetu Munda, a 42-year-old tribal man from Dianali village in Keonjhar district. Jeetu Munda, facing obstacles in withdrawing funds from his deceased sister’s account at Odisha Grameen Bank, resorted to exhuming and carrying her remains to the bank on April 27 due to the officials’ insistence on the account holder’s physical presence.
According to the complaint lodged by Jena, the bank’s refusal and demand for the account holder’s physical presence led to the distressing act by Jeetu Munda. The NHRC expressed grave concern over the violation of human rights suffered by Jeetu Munda, emphasizing the emotional and psychological distress he endured. Additionally, the Commission condemned the actions of the bank officials, citing a lack of respect for the rights of the deceased and a fundamental violation of the right to live with dignity.
The NHRC’s order underscored the seriousness of the matter, directing the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in Keonjhar to conduct a prompt inquiry and submit a report within one week. Furthermore, the Chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank in Bhubaneshwar was urged to take necessary actions and provide an ATR swiftly. The Commission also requested the Chief Secretary of Odisha to be informed for appropriate measures.
