Tribal Man Dies After Alleged Delay in Accessing Treatment Money, Family Protests at Jharkhand Gramin Bank in Garhwa

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Bargarh Police Station. The family members alleged that the bank’s negligence resulted in the delay and claimed that Lakra died because funds required for his treatment were not provided on time.

After failing to receive the money, angry relatives and villagers reached the Jharkhand Gramin Bank branch with Lakra’s body and launched a protest. They demanded action against those responsible for the alleged delay.

The family alleged that the bank manager made them visit the branch repeatedly for three months to complete the electronic Know Your Customer process. They claimed that later, following instructions from the regional manager, they brought Lakra, who was critically ill and on his deathbed, to the bank for completion of the process.

According to the family, even after the electronic Know Your Customer process was completed, they were repeatedly asked to return for the withdrawal of funds, but the money was never released.

Lakra died on Monday. He was receiving a government pension in his Jharkhand Gramin Bank account, and the family said the pension amount was required for his medical treatment.

"We kept running from pillar to post. Even after the electronic Know Your Customer process was completed, we were not given the money. Today he has died because he could not get treatment," said Phoolmani Toppo, Lakra’s daughter-in-law.

However, bank officials denied the family’s allegations and said the funds were not withheld. Vikas Kumar, cashier at Jharkhand Gramin Bank, said, "The electronic Know Your Customer process had been completed, but after that no family member came to the bank to withdraw the money. That is why no amount was withdrawn. Today, after his death, they have come to the bank with the body."

The bank maintained that the money remained available in Lakra’s account and rejected claims that officials had stopped the withdrawal. Police said they were investigating the matter.

Jharkhand is a tribal-dominated state, and the death of a tribal man allegedly due to lack of access to treatment amid claims of administrative negligence has raised serious concerns. The family and villagers continue to demand accountability from those responsible for the alleged delay.