‘He Asked About My Caste’: Bank Employee Says Viral Clip Shows Only One Side After ‘I Am A Thakur’ Remark

A controversy erupted after a video showing a heated confrontation inside an HDFC Bank branch went viral, drawing widespread criticism online. At the centre of the storm is bank employee Aastha Singh, who has now come forward to present her side, insisting that the incident has been widely misunderstood.

Singh, posted at the bank's Panki branch in Kanpur, said the altercation was not with a customer but with the husband of a former colleague. She maintained that the situation has been wrongly portrayed as both customer-related and caste-driven.

Singh Claims Video Shows Only "One Side Of The Story"

In a video statement, Singh clarified that the footage dates back to January 6. "I have not misbehaved with any customer. I was involved in an argument with the husband of my ex-colleague," she said, stressing that only "one side of the story" has surfaced so far.

She explained that her former colleague, identified as Ritu, had resigned and sought immediate relief on the same day the dispute unfolded. Singh added that a minor disagreement first occurred with the former colleague's sister-in-law, who had come to the branch. The situation escalated when the woman allegedly called Ritu's husband, who later arrived at the branch after working hours.

According to Singh, his behaviour triggered the confrontation.

"He Asked About My Caste, Called Me Arrogant"

Detailing the exchange, Singh alleged that the man approached her desk and behaved inappropriately. "He came to my desk and used inappropriate language. He directly asked about my caste and called me arrogant," she said, claiming she was provoked.

While defending herself, Singh admitted that her response could have been better. "I am here to serve the public and should choose my words wisely. But if somebody threatens me, I will not tolerate it," she said. She also stood by her earlier statement, adding that she was proud of her caste identity.

Viral Clip Triggers Online Backlash

The clarification follows intense online reaction after the video captured dramatic scenes from inside the bank. Singh was seen allegedly hurling abuses at a man and aggressively pointing a laptop toward him.

In the clip, she is heard saying, "I am a Thakur, don't mess with me," a remark that sparked sharp backlash over its caste undertone and perceived lack of professionalism.

Social media users were quick to question the conduct of bank staff, with several tagging HDFC Bank and demanding accountability. "Is that how you take care of customers?" one user wrote on X, while others called for strict disciplinary action and a departmental inquiry into the matter.