A day after a video showing an HDFC Bank employee in a heated altercation inside a branch went viral on social media, the woman at the centre of the controversy, Aastha Singh, has issued a clarification, claiming that the incident has been misrepresented.

Singh, who works at an HDFC Bank branch in Kanpur’s Panki area, took to social media to explain her version of events, stating that she was not involved in any dispute with a customer but with the husband of a former colleague.

In a video statement, Singh said the footage was recorded on January 6 and that only “one side of the story" had surfaced so far. “I have not misbehaved with any customer. I was involved in an argument with the husband of my ex-colleague," she said, adding that the matter was wrongly projected as a customer-related and caste-based issue.

According to Singh, her former colleague, identified as Ritu, had resigned from the bank and demanded to be relieved on the same day when the argument broke out. She claimed that a minor argument later took place with the former colleague’s sister-in-law, who had visited the branch. Singh alleged that after the argument, the woman subsequently called Ritu’s husband, who arrived at the bank after working hours and misbehaved with her.

He Asked About My Caste, Called Me Arrogant: Singh

“He came to my desk and used inappropriate language. He directly asked about my caste and called me arrogant," Singh said, alleging that she was provoked during the exchange. Acknowledging her conduct, she admitted that her choice of words was wrong. “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, while also reiterating her controversial statement, saying she was proud of her caste identity.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The clarification comes after dramatic scenes from inside the bank branch triggered widespread criticism online.

In the viral clip, Singh was seen hurling abuses at a man and allegedly threatening him by aggressively pointing a laptop in his direction. She is also heard saying, “I am a Thakur, don’t mess with me," a remark that drew sharp backlash for its caste-based undertone and perceived unprofessionalism.

The video prompted strong reactions on social media, with several users tagging HDFC Bank and questioning the conduct of its staff. “Is that how you take care of customers?" one user wrote on X, while others demanded strict disciplinary action and a departmental inquiry against the employee.

Source: News18