09/02/2026
A viral video from Kanpur showing a female HDFC Bank employee verbally abusing a customer has sparked widespread outrage online. In the footage, the employee identified by some reports as Aastha Singh is seen in a heated dispute with a bank client at the Panki branch, where she not only uses foul language but also makes a caste-based remark, repeatedly stating “I am a Thakur, don’t mess with me,” which many social media users criticized as unprofessional and casteist. 
The confrontation escalates when she lifts her laptop aggressively toward the customer, prompting colleagues to intervene in an attempt to calm the situation. The video’s spread on platforms like X has drawn sharp condemnation from netizens, who argue that the incident reflects poorly on customer service standards and the workplace behaviour expected in professional settings. Critics have demanded disciplinary action and accountability from HDFC Bank’s management. 
As of now, HDFC Bank has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and details about what triggered the initial dispute remain unclear. The episode has ignited broader discussions around caste, professional conduct, and corporate responsibility in India’s banking sector. 
