NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Illinois, USA, July 16, 2025: An Indian woman visiting the United States was detained recently after allegedly trying to shoplift nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Illinois. The incident, which was caught on police bodycam video, has gone viral and sparked debate online.
According to reports, the woman, identified as “Avlani,” was inside the store for almost seven hours. When she attempted to leave without paying for the items in her cart, store security called the police. Officers arrived on the scene and detained her. The video shows her repeatedly offering to pay for the items after being caught.
Authorities have not released more personal details about the woman, as the investigation is ongoing.
The footage of the arrest has spread widely on social media, with many users expressing concern over how the incident might affect the image of Indian travelers and the broader Indian community abroad. Others have questioned whether cultural misunderstandings or lack of awareness about store policies may have played a role.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Indian consulate or family members. Legal proceedings are expected to follow.
