Preliminary investigation has revealed negligence of bank officials in the case of taking the ashes of sister to the bank in Keonjhar, Odisha. RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra said that this sensitive incident happened due to denial of service and administrative delay.
Bhubaneswar: A sensitive case that came to light in Keonjhar district of Odisha has shocked the entire country. After the negligence of bank officials came to light in the initial investigation, this matter has now become a subject of serious debate at the administrative and political level.
The incident came into limelight when a tribal man allegedly had to take the remains of his dead sister to the bank so that the death claim of the amount deposited in the bank account could be settled.
What is the whole matter?
Deceased Kala Munda died in February 2026. His brother Jitu Munda tried to withdraw around Rs 19,300 deposited in the bank account, but alleged that he was repeatedly harassed in the name of necessary documents and identification related process.
According to local media reports, due to lack of clear cooperation from the bank officials, Jitu Munda took his sister’s body out of the grave and took her ashes to the bank. After the pictures and videos of this incident went viral on social media, people across the country expressed their displeasure.
What came to light in the preliminary investigation?
Revenue Divisional Commissioner Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, who is investigating the case, said on Thursday that the negligence of the bank officials is clearly visible in the initial investigation.
He told that Jitu Munda and his sister Kala Munda used to visit the bank regularly and the bank officials already knew them. Not only this, the amount had already been withdrawn from the deceased’s account several times.
Despite this, there was delay in providing service and confusion was created regarding the process, due to which the situation became serious.
Bank branch and family home visits
During the investigation, RDC visited Jitu Munda’s house and Malliposi branch of Odisha Gramya Bank.
He said that due to lack of audio recording facility in the bank, it was not clear what conversation took place between the bank employees and Jitu Munda. However, it is clear from the available facts that there was a serious level of administrative deficiency in providing service.
Questions on delay in death certificate also
The investigation team is now also probing the aspect as to why Kala Munda’s death certificate was not issued on time despite his death in February.
The administration believes that if the documents were provided on time, the situation would not have become so sensitive.
Chief Minister ordered investigation
Expressing concern over this matter, Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a high-level investigation.
The Chief Minister’s Office said that the incident is extremely unfortunate and action will be taken against the culprits. The government will ensure that no citizen has to face such a situation in future.
The matter echoed in the assembly also
This issue also came up in the special session of the Odisha Assembly on Thursday. Opposition parties raised serious questions on the government and the banking system.
Naveen Patnaik said that the incident has damaged the state’s image nationally and internationally.
Calling it an example of administrative insensitivity, he demanded strict action against the culprits.
People’s anger on social media
After the incident came to light, people criticized the banking system on social media. Many users raised the question whether poor and tribal communities still face discriminatory treatment in government and financial institutions.
Human rights activists also described the incident as administrative failure and lack of social sensitivity.
Banking system needs reform
Experts believe that there is a need to make banking services more humane and simple in rural and tribal areas.
Arrangements like digital document verification, quick processing of death certificates and special assistance in sensitive cases can prevent such incidents in future.
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