Keonjhar, April 30: An RDC-level probe has begun into the shocking incident in which a man brought his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank to withdraw her deposited money. Northern RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra visited Dianali village under Patna block and conducted an on-ground inquiry.
Accompanied by Keonjhar Collector Vishal Singh, Sub-Collector Umashankar Dalai and Special Land Acquisition Officer Rabindra Pradhan, the RDC questioned Jitu Munda to ascertain the circumstances that led him to approach the Odisha Gramya Bank with his deceased sister’s skeleton. Officials also sought details on what the bank staff had told him when he tried to withdraw the money.
Earlier, the investigation team visited the bank branch and questioned the manager and other employees. Meanwhile, a Congress delegation led by former PCC president Niranjan Patnaik also met Jitu Munda and discussed the incident with him.
The incident, which triggered widespread outrage, occurred on Monday in front of the Odisha Gramya Bank at Mallipasi, where Jitu Munda sat with the skeletal remains of his elder sister Kalara Munda (50), demanding release of her savings. Following media coverage, the bank released ₹19,400 from the deceased’s account within 24 hours. The district administration also extended ₹30,000 assistance from the Red Cross fund on the direction of the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had ordered an RDC-level inquiry, directing officials to investigate the reasons behind the incident and ensure such occurrences are not repeated. The probe, which began on Wednesday, is currently underway with officials examining all aspects of the case.
