Bhubaneswar, April 28: Rishi Singh, the Chairman of Odisha Gramin Bank, described a recent incident in Kyonjhar as “extremely unfortunate.” This occurred when an individual allegedly brought the skeleton of his deceased sister to the bank to establish his claim as a legal heir. Singh emphasized that the bank followed proper procedures throughout the situation.
Singh explained that the individual initially attempted to withdraw funds from an account registered in a woman’s name. The branch manager informed him that he could not withdraw or deposit money as a third party without the account holder’s presence or appropriate legal documentation.
The chairman noted that the individual provided conflicting statements about his sister’s condition. At one point, he claimed she was ill, and later stated she had passed away. Bank officials clarified that funds could only be released upon submission of valid documents, such as a death certificate and a legal heir certificate, following the account holder’s death.
Despite attempts to explain the requirements, the individual returned with his sister’s remains, claiming them as evidence. This shocking act caused panic among bank staff and customers, prompting local police to be notified. The police intervened to manage the situation.
Singh reiterated that there was no intention to harass the individual. He stated, “The bank is obligated to follow established settlement procedures. Payments can only be made to verified legal heirs or designated individuals according to proper protocol. This is public money, and it must go to the rightful claimant.”
He further mentioned that the designated individual associated with the account is also reported deceased, complicating the process. The claimant has been asked to present a legal heir certificate issued by competent local authorities, which is mandatory for settlements in such cases.
According to Singh, this matter had been under consideration for some time, and the petitioner had already been advised to obtain the necessary documents. However, due to pending confirmation from local authorities, the required certificate has not yet been submitted.
The bank has conducted an internal investigation, with senior officials, including regional managers, visiting the branch to submit reports. Singh assured that payments would be made without delay once proper verification is completed and legal heirs are confirmed by the administration.
He added, “We will ensure that the rightful beneficiary receives the funds as soon as the legal formalities are fulfilled.”
In a related incident, a tribal man protested outside the rural bank with his deceased sister’s skeleton, seeking the return of deposited funds. This shocking event occurred around 1 PM on Monday in Mallipasi village, under the jurisdiction of Patna police station.
Bank officials were horrified upon seeing the skeleton and promptly notified the police. Upon arrival, the police spoke with the individual, who later took the remains back to bury them properly.
According to police reports, Jitu’s sister passed away two months ago. She had an account at a rural bank in Mallipasi with a deposit of ₹19,300. After her death, Jitu attempted to withdraw the funds, but bank officials denied the request because the account was in his sister’s name. They requested a death certificate and other documents for the withdrawal. Jitu, being illiterate, struggled to understand the requirements.
Instead of presenting the death certificate, he dug up her grave and brought the bones in a bag as proof to the bank officials.
– DKP/
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