Tragic Incident Sparks Bank's Commitment to Resolve Claim for Deceased Sister's Account

In a troubling incident, a tribal man brought his deceased sister's skeleton to a bank in Odisha to withdraw funds from her account. Indian Overseas Bank has since pledged to expedite the claim process once a death certificate is issued. This shocking event has drawn political attention, with officials criticizing the bank's handling of the situation. The bank clarified that the claim settlement process was misunderstood and emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of its customers. Read on to learn more about this unusual case and the bank's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 19:35 IST

Bank's Response to Disturbing Claim Incident

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: On Tuesday, Indian Overseas Bank announced it would expedite the processing of a tribal man's request to access funds from his late sister's account at a branch located in Keonjhar district, Odisha, as soon as the local authorities issue a death certificate.

This declaration followed a shocking event where a man was seen carrying a skeleton, purportedly of his sister, to the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank, seeking permission to withdraw funds from her account.

Odisha Grameen Bank operates under the sponsorship of Indian Overseas Bank.

The incident elicited political responses, with Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari criticizing the bank for its 'lack of humanitarian approach' and promising to take appropriate measures against the involved officials.

Jeetu Munda, a 50-year-old resident of Dianali village, aimed to withdraw approximately Rs 20,000 from the account of his elder sister, Kalra Munda, who passed away on January 26.

"I have visited the bank multiple times. Despite informing them of my sister's death, they insisted I bring her to the bank to access her funds," Jeetu Munda stated.

In a desperate attempt, Munda brought the skeleton to the bank to facilitate the withdrawal.

Upon witnessing the skeleton, bank staff promptly alerted local law enforcement.

In a comprehensive statement, IOB indicated that the situation seemed to stem from a misunderstanding regarding the claim settlement process and the claimant's reluctance to follow the procedures outlined by the branch manager.

"The bank's goal was to safeguard the interests of the deceased tribal woman's funds. There was no harassment involved. We are actively coordinating with local authorities to expedite the issuance of the death certificate. The claim will be prioritized once the certificate is received," IOB stated in a post on X.

Contrary to some media narratives, the bank clarified that officials did not require the physical presence of a deceased account holder for fund withdrawal.

The branch manager had clearly communicated that settlements could only proceed upon the submission of valid documentation, including a death certificate.

"Our sponsored Regional Rural Bank, Odisha Grameen Bank, is dedicated to providing compassionate, lawful, and transparent services to all customers," IOB affirmed.