A deeply disturbing incident from Keonjhar has shaken not just Odisha, but the conscience of the entire nation.
Jeetu Munda, a poor villager from Mallipashi, lost his sister two months ago. A modest sum of ₹19,300 remained in her bank account money that could have helped him survive pressing hardships. But when he approached the bank to withdraw it, he was repeatedly told that the account holder must be physically present to sign.
He pleaded. He explained that his sister had passed away. Yet, his words carried no weight in a system bound more by rigid procedures than human understanding.
Driven to desperation, and in what can only be described as a tragic indictment of institutional apathy, he allegedly brought his sister’s skeletal remains to the bankjust to prove she was no more
Pause and reflect on that:
This is not merely a story of procedural delay. It is a failure of empathy, a collapse of basic human dignity. It raises serious questions about governance, banking accountability, and how systems often fail the most vulnerable.
Ironically, when rules are bent for corruption or influence, processes seem to accelerate. But when the poor seek rightful access to their own resources, they are trapped in a maze of paperwork and indifference.
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call not only for Odisha but for regions like Jammu & Kashmir as well. There have been growing concerns about the behavior of some bank officials, particularly toward elderly citizens, who often face dismissive attitudes and unnecessary hurdles.
Banks are not just financial institutions they are public service providers. Sensitivity, patience, and compassion are not optional; they are essential.
Odisha deserves answers. Accountability must be fixed. And more importantly, systemic reforms must ensure that no individual is ever again forced to prove death in such a dehumanizing manner.
Because humanity should never require proof in bones.
(The writer is a Social & RTI Activist and the National Organising Secretary of the J&K Students Association.)
manzoornabi57@gmail.com
