Keonjhar, April 28: In a swift response following widespread outrage, authorities have handed over the full bank deposit of ₹19,402 along with ₹20,000 financial assistance from the Red Cross to Jitu Munda, days after he carried his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank in protest. The amount was disbursed at his residence in the presence of the Additional Tehsildar, Patna BDO, bank officials, and legal heirs.

The incident, which drew sharp public reaction, took place at Odisha Gramya Bank in Mallipashi under Keonjhar district. The deceased, 55-year-old Kalara Munda, had around ₹19,300 deposited in her bank account. She had passed away nearly two months ago.

According to reports, Jitu Munda had approached the bank to withdraw the money after his sister’s death. However, he was allegedly told by officials that the account holder must be physically present to authorize the withdrawal, failing which the amount could not be released.

Distressed by the response, Jitu exhumed his sister’s body from the burial ground, placed it in a sack, and carried it on his shoulder for nearly four kilometres under the scorching sun to the bank. He then laid the body outside the premises, demanding that officials release the money, saying his sister had “come in person.”

The shocking incident led to massive criticism of the bank’s handling of the situation and raised concerns over procedural insensitivity. Following media coverage, the administration intervened, leading to the release of the deposited amount and additional humanitarian assistance from the Red Cross.