“Main Bramhin Hoon…,” Kanpur HDFC Bank Row Intensifies After Viral Video, Employee Defends ‘I Am A Thakur’ Remark
"Main Bramhin Hoon...," Kanpur HDFC Bank Row Intensifies After Viral Video, Employee Defends ‘I Am A Thakur’ Remark
The heated argument clip sparked online backlash as both sides claim misrepresentation and seek legal action.
A controversy involving HDFC Bank’s Panki branch in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has intensified after a video of a heated argument inside the bank went viral on social media, triggering sharp debate over workplace conduct and caste-based remarks.
The video, widely circulated on X, shows a female bank employee allegedly using abusive language during an argument and making a statement linked to caste identity. The employee has been identified as Aastha Singh, who is seen pointing her finger at a man and reportedly saying, “I am a Thakur,” a remark that drew criticism from many viewers who perceived it as an attempt to intimidate through caste assertion.
As the clip gained traction, Singh issued a clarification, stating that the incident was being misrepresented online. She claimed the video was not recent and dated back to January 6. She further said that the argument was not with any customer but with the husband of another female employee working in the same branch.
According to Singh, the footage was selectively shared to create controversy, and the situation was wrongly portrayed as a dispute with a bank customer. She acknowledged that abusive words should not be used in a professional environment, especially in public service.
"Main hoon Thakur vs Main hoon Tripathi Mishra"
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) February 10, 2026
Namaskar! Radhe Radhe! Main hoon Ritu Tripathi Mishra. Mayke se Tripathi, sasural se Mishra… https://t.co/p8Q2nmBLpx pic.twitter.com/xNSzlKpyaV
“Yes, my words were wrong. I know I should speak thoughtfully,” she said, adding that she reacted strongly after being threatened. Singh stated that if someone says they will “teach her a lesson,” she will not tolerate it.
However, she also stood by her statement and said she was proud of her identity, which further fuelled the debate online.
Meanwhile, another side of the dispute has emerged through Ritu Tripathi Mishra, who also released a video statement claiming she was insulted and abused during the altercation. Mishra identified herself through her Brahmin surname and said she did not initially speak out publicly because she did not seek “false fame.”
Mishra’s husband, Rishu Mishra, also rejected claims that he questioned Singh’s caste, stating that the dispute stemmed from delays in professional exit formalities and escalated into shouting.
Singh has expressed safety concerns, claiming she has received threats since the clip went viral. She has also called for the full CCTV footage to be released, arguing that the 45-second viral video is only a small portion of a longer confrontation.
Both sides have indicated they may pursue legal action, as the incident continues to spark intense discussion over workplace aggression, social identity, and how viral clips can amplify disputes without full context.
The episode has once again highlighted the growing impact of social media in shaping narratives, often before official investigations or complete facts are established.
