Keonjhar (Odisha) [India], April 29 (HBTV): Indian Overseas Bank has clarified that it has settled a claim of INR 19,402 in the names of three legal heirs in connection with the Keonjhar skeleton case, following due procedures.
In a post on X, the bank stated that the payment was processed immediately after receiving the official death certificate and legal heir certificate from the authorities, and was handed over to the beneficiaries in accordance with established norms.
'We would like to submit that, today the Government Authorities have issued the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate. Immediately on receipt of these documents, Bank has settled the claim amount of INR 19,402 in the name of three legal heirs and money handed over to them, in accordance with established norms,' the bank said.
The bank dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that Jitu Munda had brought his sister's mortal remains to a bank branch to withdraw money due to a demand for her physical presence, terming the claims inaccurate and not based on facts.
'The reports circulating on various social media platforms alleging that Mr Jitu Munda carried the mortal remains of his sister to a bank branch for withdrawal from her account, purportedly due to a demand by bank officials for the physical presence of the deceased for claim settlement, are incorrect and not based on fact,' the statement said.
According to the bank, the incident occurred due to a lack of awareness about the claim settlement process, adding that the individual involved was in an inebriated state and unwilling to follow the procedures explained by the branch manager.
'We have already issued a clarification note in our social media platform clarifying the facts that the individual was at inebriated state and incident has happened due to a lack of awareness of the claim settlement process and the individual's unwillingness to accept the procedures explained by the Branch Manager,' the bank added.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed concern over the incident, describing it as deeply distressing. He criticised the alleged hardships faced by Jitu Munda, calling it a blot on a civilised society, and urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take strict action.
Meena also extended his support to the family, announcing that he would donate one month's salary to assist them and emphasised the need to ensure such situations do not arise in the future.
'Seeing Jitu Munda's helplessness and agony made my heart tremble. Such torment in the name of bureaucratic formalities inflicted on a poor tribal person is a stain on the forehead of any civilised society. I strongly urge the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi ji, to take immediate and the strictest action in this matter. Jitu Munda's pain is my pain, their suffering is my suffering. It is my duty to stand by them in this hour of crisis. I will dedicate my one month's salary to their family. The amount will soon reach them. It is our collective responsibility that in the future they do not feel helpless,' he said in a post on X.
Earlier, the bank had issued a clarification rejecting allegations that its staff demanded the physical presence of a deceased account holder for processing a withdrawal.
In its statement, the bank said the matter pertains to the Malliposi branch of its sponsored regional rural bank, Odisha Grameen Bank. It stated that Jitu Munda had visited the branch seeking withdrawal from an account held in his sister's name, and was informed that third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorisation.
The bank added that in the event of death, settlement requires submission of a valid death certificate and other supporting documents.
A tribal man in Odisha's Keonjhar district was reportedly seen carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to a bank on April 27 in an attempt to withdraw money from her account, claiming to be her heir.
According to Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Dalai, the man was unaware of the required legal procedures and acted out of frustration. Officials noted that he is not a Class-I legal heir, which is why the bank had asked for documents he could not provide.
He added that authorities are now assisting him in completing the formalities, including applying for the necessary documents such as the death certificate and legal heir certificate. Officials are also facilitating the early release of INR 20,000 under Red Cross assistance and coordinating with the bank to ensure the funds are eventually transferred to the rightful legal heirs.
(ANI)