Srinagar, May 1 -- A deeply disturbing incident from Keonjhar has shaken not just Odisha, but the conscience of the entire nation.

Jeetu Munda, a poor villager from Mallipashi, lost his sister two months ago. A modest sum of Rs.19,300 remained in her bank account money that could have helped him survive pressing hardships. But when he approached the bank to withdraw it, he was repeatedly told that the account holder must be physically present to sign.

He pleaded. He explained that his sister had passed away. Yet, his words carried no weight in a system bound more by rigid procedures than human understanding.

Driven to desperation, and in what can only be described as a tragic indictment of institutional apathy, he allegedly brought his...