Indian woman arrested for alleged $1,000 shoplifting in US, ignites online debate | Watch

Indian woman caught stealing in the US (Image: YouTube/Body Cam Edition)

An Indian woman visiting the United States was arrested on the spot at a Target store in Illinois for allegedly shoplifting items worth nearly $1,000 (approximately ₹1.1 lakh) after her suspicious behavior alerted staff, who then contacted authorities.

A video circulating online shows a Target employee accusing a woman of spending several hours in the store before trying to leave with a cart full of unpaid items. The undated footage, widely shared on social media, captures the woman - being confronted and detained by US police for the alleged theft.

“We saw this woman roaming around the store for the last seven hours. She was picking up items, checking her phone, moving between aisles, and eventually tried to walk out the west gate without paying," the staffer was heard saying in the clip.

“I am really sorry to bother you if it is. I am not from this country. I am not going to stay here," she said. The female police officer interrogating her replied, “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I did not think so."

The woman apologized, insisting she did not mean to cause any trouble. When asked for identification, she explained that she does not reside in the US and that her family is in India.

She was subsequently handcuffed and taken to a police station, where she was charged with felony theft.

Moneycontrol has not verified the authenticity of the video.

The incident has sparked significant online debate, with some users questioning her motives and others discussing the possible cultural implications.

"She went abroad with the country's passport to bring disgrace. Because of this one girl's actions, today America's social media is filled with hatred and disdain toward Indians," a user wrote.

"Embarrassing India on a global stage! She ended up making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Don’t bring shame to the country abroad. Represent with dignity," another user wrote.