Jeetu Munda Undergoes Purification Ritual, Hosts Community Feast After Exhuming Sister's Skeletal Remains
·1 hour ago·2 min read
Key Points
Jeetu Munda, who carried his sister's skeletal remains to a bank to prove her death, underwent purification ritual as per Munda tribal customs after community elders warned of social boycott for exhuming remains (burial custom).
Keonjhar, May 6: Jeetu Munda, who recently drew widespread attention for carrying his sister’s skeletal remains to a rural bank, on Wednesday underwent a purification ritual as per tribal customs and hosted a community feast in Keonjhar.
Belonging to the Munda tribe, where the dead are buried, exhuming remains is considered sacrilege. Community elders had directed Munda to undergo purification rituals after he dug out the remains, warning of social boycott otherwise.
“My family members and I today become pure after undergoing certain rituals as suggested by community heads. Digging out the remains of a dead person is considered an act of sacrilege in our community,” Munda said.
Incident That Sparked Outrage
The 50-year-old had on April 27 exhumed the skeletal remains of his sister, Kalra Munda (56), who died in January. He walked nearly three kilometres to the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank to prove her death and withdraw money from her account.
Following the incident, he received Rs 19,402 after the video of him carrying the skeleton went viral, prompting a state government probe.
Minister Attends Ceremony
Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia attended the ritual at Dianali village under Patana block and provided clothes and materials required for the ceremony.
Ritual Observances and Feast
As part of the purification process, Munda tonsured his head and participated in a puja conducted by a community priest. He also hosted a feast for around 25 families and invited guests, serving chicken and ‘handia’ (traditional rice beer).
Also Read: Boy Gets Stuck Between Rocks While Collecting Honey, Rescued After Long Operation
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), which sponsors the rural bank, stated that the episode appears to have stemmed from a lack of awareness about the claim settlement process and the individual’s unwillingness to follow procedures explained by the branch manager.
Despite the controversy, Munda said he does not want any action taken against bank officials, even though he had earlier alleged harassment.
Belonging to the Munda tribe, where the dead are buried, exhuming remains is considered sacrilege. Community elders had directed Munda to undergo purification rituals after he dug out the remains, warning of social boycott otherwise.
“My family members and I today become pure after undergoing certain rituals as suggested by community heads. Digging out the remains of a dead person is considered an act of sacrilege in our community,” Munda said.
Incident That Sparked Outrage
The 50-year-old had on April 27 exhumed the skeletal remains of his sister, Kalra Munda (56), who died in January. He walked nearly three kilometres to the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank to prove her death and withdraw money from her account.
Following the incident, he received Rs 19,402 after the video of him carrying the skeleton went viral, prompting a state government probe.
Minister Attends Ceremony
Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia attended the ritual at Dianali village under Patana block and provided clothes and materials required for the ceremony.
Ritual Observances and Feast
As part of the purification process, Munda tonsured his head and participated in a puja conducted by a community priest. He also hosted a feast for around 25 families and invited guests, serving chicken and ‘handia’ (traditional rice beer).
Also Read: Boy Gets Stuck Between Rocks While Collecting Honey, Rescued After Long Operation
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), which sponsors the rural bank, stated that the episode appears to have stemmed from a lack of awareness about the claim settlement process and the individual’s unwillingness to follow procedures explained by the branch manager.
Despite the controversy, Munda said he does not want any action taken against bank officials, even though he had earlier alleged harassment.
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