A man carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank in India has ignited widespread shock and condemnation, highlighting the harsh realities of bureaucratic hurdles faced by marginalised communities. Jitu Munda, 52, from the state of Odisha, was filmed transporting the remains of his sister Kalara through the streets of Keonjhar and placing them outside the local branch of Indian Overseas Bank.
Desperate Act to Prove Death
Munda, a member of a poor tribal community, said he exhumed Kalara's body out of sheer frustration after bank officials repeatedly refused to release the funds left in her account—19,300 rupees (approximately £150)—without official proof of death. Kalara had sold livestock before her death several months ago, leaving the money as a much-needed resource for the family. However, a death certificate had not yet been issued, a common delay in rural India that can take weeks or even months.
"When the bank manager refused to listen and kept asking for proof, I got frustrated," Munda told BBC Hindi. "I brought the skeleton to show that she had died."
Bank's Response and Public Outrage
The bank disputed Munda's account, stating that staff had only followed standard procedures after other heirs also came forward to claim the savings. "The bank's intention was to protect the interest of the poor tribal [woman's] monies in the account," they said, describing the incident as a "highly distressing situation at the premises." Police intervened at the scene, urging Munda to return the remains to the burial ground with assurances that his complaint would be addressed.
The video of Munda carrying his sister's body went viral in India, prompting nationwide shock and outrage. Many called it "heartbreaking" and an example of the "lack of humanity" in Indian bureaucracy, particularly for marginalised tribal communities. This week, officials confirmed that the death certificate has been issued and the money released to the relatives. A minister from the Odisha state government said the case is under investigation.
