A video purportedly showing a female HDFC Bank employee in a heated confrontation with a customer at a branch in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread debate.

Following the circulation of the clip, the employee, identified as Aastha Singh, has issued a clarification, saying that while she acknowledges the need to maintain decorum at the workplace, she will not tolerate threats or intimidation.

Singh said the viral video has been misinterpreted and selectively used to portray her as arguing with a customer, while also being used to stoke a controversy around caste identity.

The video, reportedly from HDFC Bank’s Panki branch, shows Singh visibly angry and pointing at a man inside the bank. In the clip, she is heard saying, “Thakur hoon main (I am a Thakur),” a remark that drew criticism online, with many alleging that she invoked her caste identity to intimidate the other person.

Amid growing speculation, Singh released a video clarification stating that the incident is not recent and dates back to January 6.

Explaining the sequence of events, Singh said one of her colleagues had resigned and wanted to be relieved on the same day.

“Her sister-in-law had been sitting in the branch since morning, and I had a minor argument with her. Later, the sister-in-law informed her brother (the colleague's husband) about the argument,” Singh said.

According to her, the colleague’s husband arrived at the branch after working hours and allegedly behaved aggressively.

“He stormed into the bank at 4:30 pm and misbehaved with me. He directly asked me which caste I belong to (kaunsi jaati ke ho) and said I have a lot of arrogance,” she said.

Singh further alleged that the man approached her desk and issued threats.

“Mai tumhari hekdi nikal dunga. Mai tumhari saari garmi nikal dunga,” she quoted him as saying.

She said she reacted only after being provoked and threatened.

“Yes, my words were wrong. I am aware that I am in public service, and I should measure my words carefully. But if someone threatens to teach me a lesson, then I will not tolerate it,” Singh stated.