Man digs up sister’s body in desperate plea to claim $200USD
April 26 2026
A shocking and deeply troubling incident in eastern India has drawn global attention after a man exhumed his sister’s remains and carried them to a bank in an attempt to access her savings.
The incident occurred in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, where 50-year-old Jeetu Munda reportedly dug up the skeletal remains of his sister, Kalra Munda, and brought them to a local bank as proof of her death.
According to reports, Munda had been trying unsuccessfully for weeks to withdraw approximately 20,000 Indian rupees (around US$200) from his late sister’s account following her death earlier this year. However, bank officials repeatedly denied his request due to his inability to provide essential documentation such as a death certificate and legal heir verification.
Frustrated and unfamiliar with formal banking procedures, the illiterate villager took extreme action. Believing he needed to physically prove his sister’s death, he exhumed her remains and transported them wrapped in cloth to the bank premises, shocking staff and customers.
The disturbing scene triggered panic, prompting bank officials to alert local authorities. Police intervened and later assisted Munda in understanding the legal process required to claim the funds. Officials subsequently helped him obtain the necessary documentation, including a death certificate and proof of heirship, allowing the withdrawal to proceed through proper channels.
Authorities confirmed that the remains were reburied under supervision, and no criminal charges are expected against Munda.
Bank representatives maintained that staff had followed standard procedures, emphasizing that legal documentation is mandatory for accessing a deceased person’s account.
However, the incident has sparked widespread criticism and debate over bureaucratic rigidity and the lack of accessible financial education in rural communities.
Experts say the case highlights a broader systemic issue in parts of India, where marginalized and illiterate populations often struggle to navigate formal institutions. The incident has since fueled calls for more compassionate banking practices and improved outreach to vulnerable groups.
While the act itself stunned the world, it underscores a harsh reality where gaps in education and access to basic services can drive individuals to extreme measures in pursuit of what they believe is justice.
