An Indian man named Jitu Munda attempted to withdraw money from his deceased sister’s bank account by bringing her exhumed body to the bank after officials refused access due to missing documentation, the bank confirmed.
Munda, from the eastern state of Odisha and a member of a constitutionally recognized tribal community, initially visited an Indian Overseas Bank branch on Monday to access funds from his sister’s account. Bank staff informed him that withdrawals by a third party were not permitted without proper authorization, specifically a death certificate.
Frustrated by the bank’s refusal to process the transaction without the official death documentation, Munda returned days later carrying his sister’s partly decomposed remains, which had been buried recently. Television footage showed him carrying what appeared to be a corpse wrapped in plastic, with visible skeletal parts.
The bank described the incident as “highly distressing” for staff and customers and attributed it to both the individual’s lack of awareness and unwillingness to adhere to procedural requirements. Officials stated that the claim would be prioritized once the death certificate was presented.
Why it matters
India mandates the registration of births and deaths, but in rural and marginalized communities, gaps in documentation frequently occur. This case highlights ongoing challenges in accessing essential legal documents necessary for financial transactions and estate settlements, particularly in tribal and remote populations.
Background
The Indian overseas banking system requires proof of death to release funds from deceased persons’ accounts to prevent fraud. However, marginalized communities often face bureaucratic hurdles obtaining official certificates, complicating legal and financial processes after a family member’s death.
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Sources
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