Was asked my caste first: HDFC Bank employee clarifies amid viral video row

A viral clip showing a woman bank employee declaring “I am a Thakur” has triggered a nationwide debate, but the officer at the centre of the controversy has now come forward, claiming the incident has been misrepresented and stripped of context.

WHAT THE EMPLOYEE SAYS

Aastha Singh, a relationship manager with HDFC Bank in Uttar Pradesh, told Aaj Tak that the argument captured in the video was not linked to any customer. “The matter involves my colleague’s husband, who misbehaved with me. I mentioned my caste only because I was asked to,” she said. “I am a Thakur and proud of it, but my intention was never to insult anyone.”

Singh said the man questioned her attitude and asked her caste before allegedly threatening her. “He told me, ‘I will take out your heat’. How long should a woman stay silent in such a situation?” she asked.

HOW THE DISPUTE BEGAN

According to Singh, the episode dates back to January 6, when a female employee, Ritu Tripathi, arrived at the branch to complete resignation formalities. Singh said Tripathi’s husband, Rishi Mishra, demanded that his wife be relieved by 10 am, even though cash-related procedures took time. “The formalities were completed by around 4.15 pm, after which the aggression escalated,” she said.

She also referred to an earlier disagreement with Mishra’s sister over access to the bathroom, which she believes added to the tension.

ALLEGATIONS OF SELECTIVE FOOTAGE

Singh claimed only a 45-second clip was released, while CCTV footage inside the bank captured the entire sequence. “If the truth has to come out, the full video should be made public,” she said, adding that senior officials were informed internally on the same day.

LEGAL ACTION AND ONLINE ABUSE

The relationship manager said the video was circulated much later, allegedly after the bank took no action, damaging her reputation. “People are abusing me online, threatening violence and making remarks about my family. This is unbearable,” she said, confirming she has filed a complaint and plans to pursue legal action.

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