Rishi Mishra, who was recently involved in a dispute at the Panki branch of HDFC Bank, has expressed anguish over alleged caste-based humiliation and has called for an impartial investigation, including a review of CCTV footage from the bank premises.

Mishra’s wife, Ritu Tripathi, resigned from her position at the bank, alleging harassment and an unsafe work environment. The controversy intensified after a video surfaced on social media in which Aastha Singh, a relationship manager at the branch, referred to her Thakur identity while responding to allegations against her.

Speaking to the media, Rishi Mishra said he was facing public humiliation, online abuse, and threats following the incident. “If I have to tolerate insults and face a defamation case, then it seems one must simply accept that being a Brahmin is considered a crime,” he said emotionally, adding that CCTV footage would clearly show who initiated the misconduct.

According to Ritu Tripathi, her husband has been receiving death threats on social media since the allegations surfaced. She claimed that the accusations made by Aastha Singh are false and asserted that the bank’s CCTV cameras recorded the entire incident. Ritu has filed a formal complaint on the Jansunwai portal, seeking protection and accountability. She further stated that if any harm comes to her husband, Aastha Singh should be held responsible.

Ritu Tripathi also detailed the circumstances that led to her resignation. She said she joined the bank on November 6, 2024, but described the workplace environment as mentally stressful. Despite informing the management that she had a young child, she alleged she was made to stay at the branch until late at night. She further accused branch manager Sumit Singh of inappropriate behavior, claiming he asked her to drop him home and pressured her to resign when she refused.

Meanwhile, Aastha Singh has denied all allegations against her. She stated that the dispute began when Rishi Mishra allegedly questioned her about her caste and used abusive language. Aastha said she referenced her Thakur identity only to defend her dignity and maintained that she did not initiate any caste-based remarks.

The matter remains under scrutiny, with demands from both sides for a fair investigation and examination of CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events.