HDFC Bank Viral Video: Employee Issues Clarification

A HDFC Bank employee from Kanpur has given a public clarification regarding her “Thakur hoon main” statement. It went viral across social media channels after a widely shared facebook video went viral. This also parked a lot of discussions. The short clip of approximately 33 seconds now sits as one of the top trending news items of the day. It also raised questions regarding allegations of caste discrimination in addition to allegations of being unprofessional.

Astha Singh, the relationship manager employed by the HDFC Bank’s Panki Branch, confirmed that the 33-second clip was over a month old. It was taken out of context. Additionally, she denied any allegations that a client was involved in the incident.

What the Viral Video Represents

In the widely viewed clip, Astha Singh can be seen engaging in an extremely heated verbal dispute while inside the bank’s office. A female can be heard advising Singh to “watch your language”. To which Singh strongly responds “Damn You.” Additionally Singh repeatedly states “I am Thakur” and follows that up by saying “Don’t Play With Me.”

These statements have angered many online viewers. As they interpreted Singh’s statement as being directed at her caste identity in an aggressive manner.

There was a quick spread of this short video across the multiple social platforms including Instagram and YouTube, and many users have posted their reactions including many negative reactions directed at the bank employee.

Singh Attempts To Address The Controversy

In Another Clarification Video, Singh Spoke About The Issue, Starting Off With “Namaskar”, And “Jai Shri Ram.” She Declared That The Viral Footage Was Captured On January 6, And There Are No Clients In The Video.

At This Point, There Has Only Been One Perspective Presented. “This Is Not A Client In The Video.” Let’s Move Forward With The Video.

Singh Mentioned The Confrontation Is Associated With A Workmate Quitting And Trying To Obtain Their Relieving Letter On The Same Day. There Had Been An Argument Earlier With A Member Of The Family, And It Got Longer And More Serious.

Allegations Against Singh By Guest

Singh Further Declared That Her Coworker’s Husband Came To The Branch After Hours And Challenged Her. She Alleges That He Used Derogatory Terms Towards Her, And Also Specific Challenging Her Caste.

“Why Are You So Arrogant?” And “What Is Your Caste?” He Mentioned In His Video. “I Will Teach You A Lesson.”

As a result of being subjected to what she described as rude and disrespectful behaviours, Singh connected her comment about being a “Thakur hoon main” with her experience. She claims she has never mistreated a customer during this incident, and that this incident cannot be categorised as casteism.

To support her claim, Singh noted that, as an employee of a bank serving the public, she has to be careful about how she words things, and she acted without thinking before speaking to the individual. Singh says, “I do recognise that I am here to serve my community.” “But if anyone tells me that they are going to teach me a lesson, I will not allow it to happen.”

In closing, Singh said, “I stand by my statement. I am a member of the Thakur community. I am proud to be a Thakur.”

The larger discussion of this event has led to much discussion on several social media platforms about inappropriate workplace behaviours, caste-based identities, and ethics in organisations. As videos and posts about this event have continued to spread, it remains trending news today among many people, illustrating how quickly workplace incidents can escalate into national-level events due to social media.