An elderly man in eastern India left bank officials and customers in shock after exhuming his late sister’s skeleton in a desperate attempt to prove her death and access funds in her account.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday in the Malipasi area of Keonjhar district in Odisha, according to The Hindu.

The man, identified as Jitu Munda from Dianali village, had visited the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank in Patana block to withdraw about Rs 20,000 from the account of his elder sister, Kalara Munda, who died on January 26.

However, bank officials insisted on the necessary documentation before the money could be released.

Frustrated by repeated unsuccessful attempts, Munda reportedly dug up his sister’s grave and brought her skeletal remains to the bank as proof of her death, leaving those present stunned.

Speaking on the incident, Munda, who has no formal education, said he struggled to understand the requirements despite multiple visits.

“I told them she had died, but they did not listen. They kept asking me to bring the account holder. Out of frustration, I dug up her grave and brought her remains to show she is no more,” he said.

The situation drew the attention of officers from the Patana police division, who arrived at the bank after being alerted.

A police official, Kiran Prasad Sahu, described the incident as a result of poor communication.

“Jeetu is an illiterate tribal man. He does not understand what a legal heir or nominee means. The bank officials failed to make him understand the procedure to withdraw money from a deceased person’s account” Sahu said.

Following the intervention, bank officials assured Munda that he would be guided through the correct procedures to access the funds.

The remains were later returned to the gravesite and reburied under police supervision.

Reports also indicated that the situation was complicated by the fact that the nominee on the account had died, leaving Munda as the only surviving claimant.

A local official, Manas Dandpat, said authorities had only recently become aware of the situation and would work towards resolving it.

“Today only, I came to know about it. We will see what can be done to resolve the issue,” he said, adding that steps had been taken to ensure the man receives the money in accordance with the law.” he said.

Authorities said efforts would be made to guide him through the proper process, including a legal heir certificate, to enable him access the funds in line with due process. (TRIBUNE)