Keonjhar, Odisha — In a bold and literal interpretation of the phrase “bring proof,” 52-year-old Jitu Munda wheelbarrowed his late sister’s remains directly into the vestibule of Keonjhar Rural Bank branch on Thursday after staff declined to release her savings without, as they noted, “irrefutable evidence of not being alive.”

Witnesses report Munda calmly set his sister’s urn beside the customer service desk, declaring, “If you need her signature, she’ll be here all day.” The move, captured on viral video, has prompted widespread debate about both bureaucratic rigidity and what exactly counts as an acceptable withdrawal witness.

“Bank policy is very clear,” explained assistant manager Vimla Patil, delicately nudging the urn away from her lunch. “We require a death certificate. Head, shoulders, knees, and toes are merely supplementary documentation.”

Branch supervisor Rajesh Yadav defended the decision, noting, “There was no official paperwork. If anyone could just walk in with a handful of ashes and ask for money, do you know how many people would be doing that? At least three a week.”

India’s Ministry of Finance responded swiftly, announcing plans to clarify their ‘living or not’ guidelines. “Effective immediately, identity verification may include death certificates, medical attestations, or the person in question in a portable container,” a spokesperson stated. The new measures are expected to expedite withdrawals for all customers with access to reliable cremation facilities.

When asked for comment, Munda reflected, “I just hope they don’t ask for a selfie with her next time.”