HDFC Bank Employee Sets Record Straight on Viral Video Incident
In a significant development, Astha Singh, an employee of HDFC Bank in Kanpur, has come forward to clarify the circumstances surrounding a viral video that captured her in a heated verbal exchange. Singh emphatically stated on Tuesday that the incident has been "misrepresented" in public discourse and clarified that it did not involve any customer of the bank.
Incident Involved Colleague's Husband, Not Customer
According to Singh, the altercation was with the husband of one of her colleagues, who she alleged misbehaved with her during the encounter. She explained that her reference to her caste during the argument was made only after she was prompted to disclose it, and she asserted her pride in her Thakur background. "This incident has been misrepresented and is not related to any customer. The matter involves my colleague's husband, who misbehaved with me, and the video was my response to that behaviour," Singh said in a statement reported by ANI.
Legal Action Planned Over Misrepresentation
Singh expressed deep disappointment over how the episode has been portrayed on social media, particularly the framing of it as an issue of "casteism." She believes this misrepresentation has significantly harmed her reputation online. In response, she announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the man involved. "Unfortunately, the matter is being given a different colour. The colleague I was referring to is a Brahmin. I will certainly take legal action, as this has damaged my image on social media," she added, highlighting her intent to seek redress for the perceived defamation.
Context of the Viral Argument
Providing further context, Singh revealed that the man had been involved in arguments with multiple staff members at the bank. This stemmed from his wife's request for same-day relief after submitting her resignation. Singh noted that her exchange with him was recorded and later circulated online, leading to the viral spread. "She had come to submit her resignation and wanted same-day relief, over which her husband had a banter with almost everyone. He faced me too in the same frustration and disrespected me. So he had a brawl with everyone; it's just that mine went viral," she explained, detailing the sequence of events that preceded the recorded confrontation.
Details from the Viral Video
The viral video, which has garnered widespread attention on social media platforms, shows Astha Singh expressing intense anger during the argument with the man. In the footage, other bank employees can be seen attempting to calm her down as the situation escalates. During the exchange, Singh is heard reacting angrily, stating, "To hell with you. Thakur hoon main (I am a Thakur), Do not mess with me," which has since become a focal point of online discussions and interpretations.
This clarification from Singh aims to correct the narrative and provide a fuller understanding of the incident, emphasizing the personal nature of the dispute rather than any professional misconduct or customer service issue at HDFC Bank.
