Indian man who took sister's body to bank for savings gets over $13,000 in aid

Jitu Munda, a man from a tribal community in India's eastern Odisha state, has received over $13,000 in donations and official aid nearly a month after a shocking incident where he carried his deceased sister's remains to a bank to claim her savings. The case, which initially drew widespread condemnation and sympathy, has now resulted in Munda receiving the disputed bank payment, official assistance, and a new account that has accumulated substantial donations.

Munda, who is illiterate, attempted to withdraw 19,400 rupees (approximately $230) from his sister Kalara's account. However, he faced significant hurdles, including the bank's alleged demand for the account holder's physical presence. According to Munda, he resorted to opening his sister's grave and bringing her remains to the rural branch of the Indian Overseas Bank to prove her death and access the funds he had been trying to claim for weeks.

The bank denied requesting the corpse, attributing the incident to Munda's unfamiliarity with legal procedures. However, a preliminary government investigation suggested potential negligence by bank officials. In the wake of the scandal, local authorities expedited Kalara's death certificate, and the bank released the 19,402 rupees, including interest, to legal heirs. Munda also received 30,000 rupees ($360) from the Red Cross Fund, was included in social welfare programs, and had his identity documents updated.

Despite the financial and official support, Munda continues to live precariously and has not yet withdrawn the donated funds. He expressed deep distress over having exhumed his sister, recounting how he looks at her grave and asks for forgiveness. The case has shed light on the persistent challenges tribal communities in regions like Jajpur district face in accessing essential services, including banking, official documentation, and public assistance.