A bank in Odisha has issued a clarification after a controversy erupted over a man bringing his sister's skeleton to a branch to withdraw money from her fixed deposit account. The incident, which occurred in the district of Jajpur, had gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
Bank's Explanation
The bank stated that the claim amount had already been settled prior to the incident. According to officials, the deceased woman's brother had approached the bank with the skeletal remains, claiming he needed to prove his sister's death to access the funds. However, the bank clarified that the fixed deposit amount had been disbursed to the nominee earlier, and the man's actions were unnecessary.
Sequence of Events
The brother, identified as a resident of a nearby village, reportedly exhumed his sister's body and brought the skeleton to the bank. He argued that the bank required proof of death, and he wanted to demonstrate that she was indeed deceased. Bank employees were shocked and immediately alerted local authorities.
Police intervened and took the man into custody for questioning. The skeleton was sent for forensic examination. The bank later released a statement saying, "The claim was already settled. The individual's actions were based on a misunderstanding. We regret the distress caused to all parties involved."
Social Media Reaction
The incident sparked outrage online, with many criticizing the man's extreme measures and questioning the bank's procedures. Some users pointed out the lack of sensitivity in the situation, while others called for better communication from financial institutions regarding claim processes.
Local officials have urged people to follow proper legal channels for such matters. The man is expected to face charges for disturbing a grave and creating a public nuisance.
