Keonjhar, May 1: In the wake of the shocking incident where a man staged a protest with his deceased sister’s skeleton outside a bank, the administration has announced government support for Jitu Munda. Acting on instructions from the Patna Block Development Officer (BDO), Jitu will be provided old-age pension benefits. Authorities have also directed officials to ensure electricity supply to his house. Additionally, a ration card has been issued in his name, replacing the earlier one held in his late sister’s name.
Meanwhile, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) has pointed to clear negligence on the part of the bank authorities. He stated that there was an unnecessary delay in issuing the death certificate, which contributed to the situation. A detailed inquiry report will be submitted to the state government.
The incident, which took place at Malliposhi Odisha Gramya Bank, had drawn statewide attention after Jitu Munda brought his sister’s skeleton to the bank premises in protest over denial of funds. Following the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered an RDC-level probe.
As part of the investigation, RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, along with Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh, Sub-Collector Umashankar Dalei and Special Land Acquisition Officer Rabindra Pradhan, visited the bank. They questioned the manager and staff and examined CCTV footage in detail.
The probe revealed that Jitu had visited the bank at 11:26 am and left at 11:58 am, during which he met bank officials four times seeking withdrawal of ₹19,300 deposited by his deceased sister, Kalara Munda. However, he was denied the amount due to the absence of a death certificate. Even after approaching the bank manager, he was turned away.
Frustrated over repeated denial, Jitu later brought his sister’s skeleton and staged a protest in front of the bank, the inquiry found.
