The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Keonjhar Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to initiate a formal inquiry after a 42-year-old tribal man in Odisha exhumed and carried his deceased sister's skeletal remains to a bank branch on 27 April 2025, reportedly after bank officials demanded she be "physically present" to process a death claim. The apex rights body has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within one week of completing the inquiry.

What Happened in Keonjhar

Jeetu Munda of Dianali village under Patna police station limits in Keonjhar district visited the Mallipashi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank to withdraw funds from the account of his deceased sister, Kalara Munda, who had died without legal heirs. According to the complaint, bank officials refused to process the withdrawal and insisted the account holder must be physically present.

In a state of extreme distress, Jeetu Munda reportedly exhumed his sister's buried remains, carried them on his shoulder, and brought them to the bank branch in what rights activists have described as a desperate act of compliance with an unlawful demand.

NHRC Steps In After Rights Petition

Acting on a petition filed by rights activist Manoj Jena on 28 April 2025, the NHRC took cognisance of the incident the following day. The Commission has directed the Chairman of Odisha Grameen Bank to submit a separate ATR within seven days. A copy of the order has also been sent to the Chief Secretary of Odisha for information and necessary action.

In his complaint, Jena described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and a stark example of administrative insensitivity toward tribal communities. He sought immediate action against the bank officials involved.

What the NHRC Observed

The Commission stated that the alleged facts point to a serious violation of the human rights of Jeetu Munda, who endured extreme psychological and emotional distress. It further noted that the conduct of the bank officials also disrespected the rights of the deceased.

"The incident strikes at the core of the fundamental right to live with dignity and undermines ongoing efforts to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream through access to banking services," the NHRC order stated.

The Commission's order reads: "The Commission views this matter seriously, and directs the District Magistrate, Keonjhar and the Superintendent of Police, Keonjhar, to conduct an inquiry and submit report expeditiously within one week..."

Broader Context: Tribal Banking Access

This incident is not isolated. Tribal communities across Odisha and other states have repeatedly reported barriers in accessing formal banking services, including bureaucratic demands that are inconsistent with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines on deceased account settlements. Under existing norms, a nominee or legal heir can claim a deceased account holder's funds by submitting a death certificate and relevant identity documents — a physical appearance by the deceased is, of course, not a requirement.

The case has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, who argue that front-line bank staff in rural branches are often inadequately trained on grievance procedures for tribal account holders. This is the latest in a series of incidents that have prompted NHRC intervention in Odisha over the treatment of marginalised communities.

What Happens Next

The Keonjhar Collector and SP are expected to submit their inquiry report within one week. The Odisha Grameen Bank chairman must also respond within the same timeframe. Depending on the findings, the NHRC may recommend disciplinary action, compensation, or systemic reforms in how tribal accounts are handled by rural banks. The matter is also now before the Chief Secretary of Odisha, raising the possibility of state-level administrative action.