• Source:JND
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A young Indian woman living in the United States has been arrested for allegedly shoplifting clothing items, including men’s apparel she claimed were gifts for her brother in India. The woman told police that her brother was fond of “Made in USA” products but could not afford them back home, according to local media reports.

A video circulating on social media shows the visibly distressed woman crying and apologising to police officers after being accused of taking the clothes without paying. In the footage, she pleads with the officers not to handcuff her, claiming she “forgot to pay” and asking them to “give her a chance.” Despite her pleas, officers are seen placing her in handcuffs and escorting her to a police vehicle.

Authorities said she may face felony retail theft charges, though the store’s name, exact location, and the total value of the stolen merchandise have not yet been confirmed. The case is currently under investigation.

Social Media Outrage

The incident has triggered a wave of condemnation online, with many users expressing embarrassment over what they described as repeated cases of shoplifting involving Indian nationals abroad.

One social media user wrote, “Why do they steal from the US and other countries? These are often educated Indians who can afford travel and tuition but still shoplift.”

Another commented, “Cases like this damage the image of the Indian diaspora. The law is the law, stealing is a crime everywhere, and the consequences are real.”

Similar Incidents In Past

This is not the first such incident involving Indian citizens in the US. In May this year, an Indian woman identified as Avlani was detained in Illinois after allegedly attempting to leave a Target store with merchandise worth approximately Rs 1.1 lakh (USD 1,300) without payment.

According to reports, she had spent more than seven hours inside the store before pushing a cart full of unpaid items past the checkout area. Police bodycam footage from that incident showed her apologising and offering to pay on the spot. A police officer was heard asking, “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I didn’t think so.”

Following the May case, the US Embassy in India issued an advisory cautioning Indian citizens and visitors that engaging in criminal acts such as theft, assault, or trespassing could result in immediate visa cancellation and a permanent ban from entering the United States.

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On X (formerly Twitter), the embassy reiterated, “Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause legal issues – it could lead to visa revocation and make you ineligible for future US visas.”

ALSO READ: US Visa Shock: Indian Techie Earning Rs 1 Crore Denied Entry In Under A Minute; What Went Wrong?

With growing concern over such cases, authorities have urged Indian students and tourists to strictly follow local laws while abroad. As investigations into the latest incident continue, the viral video has reignited conversations around ethics, responsibility, and the global image of Indians overseas.

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