A high-voltage drama at an HDFC Bank branch in Panki, Kanpur, has taken the internet by storm. The viral clip shows bank employee Astha Singh engaged in a heated altercation, invoking her caste identity (Thakur) and brandishing a laptop as a weapon. Following the massive backlash, Astha Singh has now issued a formal clarification, stating that the video is being shared out of context.

The Real Trigger: In a statement released on Monday night, Astha clarified that the incident occurred on January 6 and did not involve a customer. According to her, the dispute was with the husband of a former female colleague. The conflict started when the colleague insisted on resigning without a prior notice period. Later, her husband entered the bank during closing hours and allegedly behaved indecently with Astha.

Defense of the “Thakur” Remark: Explaining her aggressive stance, Astha alleged that the man first insulted her caste and threatened her career. “I reacted when my self-respect and caste were attacked,” she stated. She claimed the man provoked her by saying he would “wipe out her anger” and get her fired.

Official Action: HDFC Bank has taken a stern view of the incident, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards unprofessional conduct. While an internal probe is underway, Astha Singh has been placed on ‘administrative leave.’ Kanpur Police are also monitoring the situation, although no formal FIR has been lodged by either party yet. Despite the controversy, Astha maintains that she is a “proud Thakur” and has never misbehaved with a client.