Keonjhar Tribal Man Again in Spotlight After Emotional Incident

Jitu Munda of Dianali village in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, who drew nationwide attention for carrying his deceased sister’s skeleton to a bank, has once again become the focus of public discussion. This time, he underwent a traditional purification ritual ordered by members of his tribal community for exhuming and carrying human remains.

According to local customs of the Munda Ho community, Jitu and his family members underwent purification rituals on Thursday at the village pond area. The ceremony included head shaving and religious offerings near his sister’s burial site.

Goat and Chickens Offered During Ritual

As part of the customary rites, a goat and three chickens were sacrificed near the grave of his sister Kalara Munda. Jitu also organized a community feast for villagers and relatives following the ritual.

Jitu said the purification was necessary because he had removed his sister’s skeleton from beneath the soil. He added that he now believes his sister’s soul will finally attain peace.

Ministers Visit Jitu’s Home

Later in the day, Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ramsingh Khuntia, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, and district BJP president Shukadev Mahanta visited Jitu’s residence. They inquired about his condition and extended support to the family.

The incident had triggered widespread outrage and sympathy across the country, leading to public assistance and attention toward the family’s plight.

Why Jitu Carried the Skeleton to the Bank

According to reports, Jitu’s sister Kalara Munda had deposited ₹19,300 in her account at Odisha Gramya Bank’s Mallipashi branch after selling a bullock. She passed away nearly two months ago.

Jitu repeatedly approached the bank seeking withdrawal of the money, but officials allegedly insisted that the account holder herself must appear to authorize the transaction.

Frustrated and helpless, Jitu exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains from her burial site, placed them in a sack, and carried them on his shoulder to the bank to prove that she was deceased.

Incident Sparked Nationwide Debate

The shocking visuals and heartbreaking story sparked intense debate over bureaucratic insensitivity and the struggles faced by poor tribal families in rural India.

However, while many praised Jitu’s desperation-driven act, members of his community objected to the handling of human remains and insisted that purification rituals were necessary according to tribal traditions.