NHRC Orders Probe after Tribal Man Carries Sister’s Skeletal Remains to Bank in Keonjhar

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a detailed inquiry into a disturbing incident in Keonjhar district, where a tribal man allegedly exhumed and carried his deceased sister’s skeletal remains to a bank following insistence by officials for documentation.

The Commission has directed the Keonjhar Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to conduct a thorough investigation and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week of completing the probe. Additionally, the Chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank has been asked to submit a separate ATR within seven days.

The action follows a petition filed by rights activist Manoj Jena on April 28. According to the complaint, Jeetu Munda (42), a resident of Dianali village under Patna police station limits in Keonjhar, visited the Mallipashi branch of the bank on April 27 to withdraw money from the account of his deceased sister, Kalara Munda.

However, bank officials allegedly refused to process the request, demanding a death certificate and legal heir certificate, and reportedly insisting that the account holder must be “physically present.” In a state of distress, Jeetu Munda is said to have exhumed his sister’s remains and carried them to the bank in an attempt to comply with the officials’ demand.

Calling the incident a grave violation of human rights, the NHRC observed that the situation reflects extreme administrative insensitivity. It noted that the act not only caused severe psychological trauma to the man but also disrespected the dignity of the deceased.

The incident strikes at the core of the fundamental right to live with dignity and raises serious concerns about access to essential banking services for marginalized communities, the Commission stated.

The NHRC has emphasized urgent corrective action and accountability, directing authorities to ensure such incidents are not repeated. A copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary of Odisha for necessary action.

Earlier, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly condemned the incident what it described as a “shameful and deeply disturbing” episode that has brought disrepute to the state. The party said the incident of a tribal youth carrying his sister’s skeletal remains to a bank in Keonjhar reflects a grave failure of the system and has shocked public conscience.

The BJD further alleged that despite Odisha having a tribal Chief Minister, members of tribal communities are still struggling to get justice and basic administrative support. It squarely blamed the local administration for negligence, stating that such an incident points to serious lapses in governance and sensitivity at the grassroots level.