Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over a tribal man exhuming and carrying his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank in Keonjhar district. The man, Jitu Munda, was asked by bank officials to provide a death certificate and legal heir certificate for a death claim process. Chief Minister Majhi has ordered a probe by the Northern Revenue Divisional Commissioner to investigate the incident and prevent its recurrence.
The Northern RDC will commence the investigation on Wednesday as per the Chief Minister’s directive. In response to the incident, the district administration provided financial assistance to Jitu Munda. The administration also initiated a detailed inquiry to determine if there was any negligence involved.
Following the incident on April 27 at the Malliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank, where Jitu Munda brought his sister’s remains, there was a nationwide outcry on social media. People and opposition parties criticized the bank and state government, calling for reforms in rural banking practices. The district administration promptly offered Rs 30,000 from the District Red Cross Fund to Jitu Munda.
In line with the Chief Minister’s ‘Lok Seva’ approach, the administration assisted Jitu Munda in obtaining the necessary certificates. The Medical Officer facilitated the issuance of the Death Certificate in ‘Fast Track’ mode. The administration ensured the transfer of Rs 19,300 from the deceased sister’s account to Jitu Munda without delay.
The Tahsildar coordinated with bank officials and handed over a total amount of Rs 19,402, including interest, to Jitu Munda. The district administration emphasized the need for improved banking awareness to prevent such incidents in the future. A thorough inquiry is underway to identify any lapses in the administration’s handling of the situation.
