Keonjhar (Odisha) [India], April 29 (ANI): In the midst of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Keonjhar skeleton case, Indian Overseas Bank has confirmed that it has settled a claim of Rs 19,402 for three legal heirs, following the proper procedures.
In a statement posted on X, the bank indicated that the payment was processed promptly after receiving the official Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate from the relevant authorities. The amount was subsequently disbursed to the beneficiaries in accordance with established norms.
“We would like to submit that, today the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of ₹19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms,” stated the bank.
The bank also dismissed reports circulating on social media that claimed Jitu Munda had brought his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank branch to withdraw money due to a supposed demand for her physical presence. It labeled these claims as inaccurate and unfounded.
“The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr. Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on fact,” the statement read.
According to the bank, the incident stemmed from a lack of understanding regarding the claim settlement process. It further claimed that the individual involved was intoxicated and reluctant to adhere to the procedures outlined by the branch manager.
“We have already issued a clarification note in our social media platform clarifying the facts that the individual was at an inebriated state and incident has happened due to a lack of awareness of the claim settlement process and the individual’s unwillingness to accept the procedures explained by the Branch Manager,” the bank added.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed his concern regarding the situation, describing it as deeply distressing. He criticized the alleged difficulties faced by Jitu Munda, calling it a stain on a civilised society, and urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take stringent action. Meena also pledged his support to the family, announcing that he would donate one month’s salary to assist them and stressed the importance of preventing such situations in the future.
“Seeing Jitu Munda’s helplessness and agony made my heart tremble. Such torment in the name of bureaucratic formalities inflicted on a poor tribal person is a stain on the forehead of any civilised society. I strongly urge the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi ji, to take immediate and the strictest action in this matter. Jitu Munda’s pain is my pain, their suffering is my suffering. It is my duty to stand by them in this hour of crisis. I will dedicate my one month’s salary to their family. The amount will soon reach them. It is our collective responsibility that in the future they do not feel helpless,” Meena stated in his post on X.
Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Overseas Bank issued a clarification rejecting allegations that its staff required the physical presence of a deceased account holder for processing a withdrawal.
In its statement on the social media platform X, the bank clarified that the matter pertains to the Malliposi branch of its sponsored regional rural bank, Odisha Grameen Bank. It explained that Jitu Munda visited the branch seeking to withdraw from an account held in his sister’s name. Officials informed him that third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorization, and that in the event of death, settlement requires submission of a valid death certificate and other supporting documents.
A tribal man in Odisha’s Keonjhar district was reportedly seen carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank on April 27, in an attempt to withdraw money from her account, claiming to be her heir.
According to Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Dalai, the man was unaware of the required legal procedures and acted out of frustration. Initially, officials noted that he is not a Class-I legal heir, which is why the bank had requested documents he could not provide.
He stated that the authorities are now assisting him in completing the formalities. He is expected to apply for the necessary documents, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate. Officials are also facilitating the early release of Rs 20,000 under Red Cross assistance and coordinating with the bank to ensure the funds are eventually transferred to the rightful legal heirs. (ANI)
