Indian Overseas Bank breaks silence on Odisha skeleton controversy; denies viral allegations

Odisha: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Keonjhar skeleton case in Odisha, Indian Overseas Bank has issued a detailed clarification stating that it has already settled a claim of ₹19,402 in favour of three legal heirs. The bank said the payment was processed strictly following due procedures after receiving official documentation.

In a statement posted on X, the bank explained that the settlement was completed immediately after it received the Death Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate from the concerned authorities.

“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 Rs 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 reiterated that the amount was handed over to the beneficiaries as per established guidelines.

Denial of viral social media allegations

The bank has strongly rejected social media claims suggesting that Jitu Munda had taken his sister’s mortal remains to a bank branch to withdraw money, allegedly due to a demand for her physical presence.

“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.

Explanation of incident and bank’s stand

According to the bank, the situation arose due to a lack of awareness regarding the claim settlement process. It further stated that the individual concerned was reportedly in an inebriated condition and was not willing 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.

Political reaction

The incident has also triggered a political response. Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed deep concern over the episode, describing it as distressing and unacceptable in a civilised society.

He urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take strict action and announced that he would donate one month’s salary to support the affected family.

“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,” Meena said in a post on X.

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Overseas Bank had already issued a clarification denying allegations that its staff demanded the physical presence of a deceased account holder for withdrawal purposes.

The bank clarified that the matter relates to its Malliposi branch under its sponsored regional rural bank, Odisha Grameen Bank. It said Jitu Munda had approached the branch seeking withdrawal from an account in his sister’s name.

Officials informed him that third-party withdrawals are not permitted without proper authorisation, and in cases involving death, claim settlement requires submission of a valid death certificate and other supporting documents.

According to Sub-Collector Uma Shankar Dalai, the tribal man reportedly arrived at the bank on April 27 carrying the skeletal remains of his deceased sister while attempting to withdraw money from her account, claiming to be her legal heir.

He stated that the man was unaware of the legal procedure and acted out of frustration. Initial findings suggested that he was not a Class-I legal heir, which led to the bank requesting documents he could not provide.

Authorities are now assisting him in completing the formalities. He is expected to apply for the required documents, including the death certificate and legal heir certificate.

Officials are also facilitating the early release of ₹20,000 under Red Cross assistance and coordinating with the bank to ensure the funds are eventually transferred to the rightful legal heirs.

Agency inputs