Pension – Jharkhand Orders Probe After Elderly Man Dies Amid KYC Dispute
Pension – A 75-year-old pensioner from Jharkhand’s Garhwa district has died after his family alleged that he was unable to access money in his bank account for medical treatment because of pending e-KYC formalities. The case has drawn attention after relatives placed his body outside a bank branch in protest, prompting Chief Minister Hemant Soren to order an inquiry.
Family alleges repeated visits to complete verification
Ratan Lakra, a resident of Bargarh village, had reportedly been unwell for several days and required funds for treatment. His family said money was available in his account, but it could not be withdrawn because the required Know Your Customer verification had not been completed.
According to relatives, Lakra had been asked to visit the Bargarh branch of Jharkhand Gramin Bank several times over the past three months. They alleged that the family faced delays despite repeatedly approaching the branch for assistance with the verification process.
Lakra’s daughter-in-law, Phoolmani Lakra, said the family had brought him to the bank in an auto-rickshaw after receiving instructions related to the KYC process. She alleged that the bank manager did not carry out the verification despite his health condition.
“I brought my ailing father-in-law to the bank and requested the manager to verify him there,” she said. “The verification was not completed, and we could not withdraw the money needed for his treatment.”
Protest outside Jharkhand Gramin Bank branch
Lakra died on Monday, after which his relatives and other villagers brought his body to the entrance of the bank branch. The protesters demanded accountability and reportedly said they would bury him near the bank premises.
The protest was later widely shared on social media, leading to calls for an official review of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case has also raised questions about how elderly and seriously ill account holders are assisted when they are unable to complete banking procedures in person.
Bank officials present a different account
Officials at the bank said the KYC process had been completed. They maintained that no family member returned to withdraw the funds after the verification was carried out.
The branch cashier said he had recently joined the office and was not aware of the earlier events involving Lakra’s account. Bank officials have not publicly provided further details about the dates of the KYC process or whether alternative verification arrangements were considered for the elderly pensioner.
Chief Minister seeks immediate action
Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the Garhwa district administration to investigate the matter without delay. In a post on X, he instructed the district administration to examine the allegations, take action where required and submit a report.
Following the direction, Garhwa Deputy Commissioner issued instructions to the Ranka Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the Lead District Manager to conduct a detailed inquiry.
The Deputy Commissioner said action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the investigation is completed. He also said that assistance would be extended to Lakra’s family in accordance with applicable government rules.
The inquiry is expected to examine the bank’s handling of the e-KYC process, the family’s claims about repeated visits, and whether timely access to pension funds could have been arranged for medical treatment.