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Amid the ongoing controversy over the Keonjhar skeleton case, Indian Overseas Bank has clarified that it has already settled a claim of Rs 19,402 in the names of three legal heirs, following due procedures.
In a post on X, the bank stated that the payment was processed immediately after receiving the official Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate from the authorities. The amount was then handed over to the beneficiaries in line 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," said the bank. The bank once again dismissed reports circulating on social media that alleged Jitu Munda had brought his sister's mortal remains to a bank branch to withdraw money due to a demand for her physical presence. It termed these claims as inaccurate and not based on facts. "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," said the statement. According to the bank, the incident occurred due to a lack of awareness about the claim settlement process. It further claimed that the individual involved was in an inebriated state and unwilling to follow the procedures explained by the branch manager. "We have already issued a clarification note in our social media platform clarifying the facts that the individual was at 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," said the bank. Meanwhile, Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed concern over the incident, describing it as deeply distressing. He criticised the alleged hardships faced by Jitu Munda, calling it a blot on a civilised society, and urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take strict action. Meena also extended his support to the family, announcing that he would donate one month's salary to assist them and emphasised the need to ensure such situations do not arise 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," said the 'X' post from Meena. Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Overseas Bank issued a clarification rejecting allegations that its staff demanded the physical presence of a deceased account holder for processing a withdrawal. In its statement on social media platform X, the bank said 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 withdrawal from an account held in his sister's name. Officials informed him that third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorisation, 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. At first glance, officials noted that he is not a Class-I legal heir, which is why the bank had asked for documents he could not provide. He said 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)
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