Webdesk: The growing incidents of theft and illegal activities by Indian nationals in the United States have alarmed American authorities, especially after the incident of an Indian woman caught shoplifting.
According to details, in a recent incident, an Indian woman was caught red-handed stealing merchandise worth ₹110,000, which is approximately $1,300, from a Target store in the state of Illinois.
Following the incident, the US Embassy in India issued a strict visa warning.
Indian woman caught shoplifting: US embassy
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the US Embassy stated, “Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws.”
Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws. pic.twitter.com/MYU6tx83Zh
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 16, 2025
The statement clearly warned Indian nationals that any violation of the law could lead to a permanent ban on re-entry into the United States.
The warning came after the Indian woman attempted to leave the store with thousands of dollars’ worth of unpaid merchandise. She ended up spending seven hours in custody at the superstore.
According to police bodycam footage, the store staff reported, “We saw her roaming around, picking up items, checking her phone, and finally trying to exit through the west door without paying.”
Upon arresting the woman, the police officer sarcastically asked, “Is stealing allowed in India? I don’t think so.”
Although the woman offered to pay on the spot, by then, a criminal offence had already been committed in the eyes of the law. She is now being charged with a felony, a serious crime under US law.
This is not the first time that an Indian national has been involved in such a shameful act abroad. Around the world, a significant number of Indian citizens have been found engaged in theft, smuggling, fraud, and other illegal activities, seriously damaging India’s global reputation.
Even a nation such as the United States is now publicly indicating that the law breaking of travellers to the nation of India is growing unbearable.
BREAKING: Indian woman named Ananya Avlani (tourist) visiting the US shoplifted $1,300 (Rs1,11,617) worth of goods from a Target store in Illinois pic.twitter.com/RCDUMWQiBj
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 16, 2025
Among the many crimes committed by Indians in the US last year, a duo of Indian female students on F1 visas was arrested for shoplifting. 2025, another Indian woman was caught stealing merchandise. In each case, they attempted to avoid consequences by offering to pay afterward. pic.twitter.com/dcUUowvvBR
— ExposeIT⚡️ (@RealWaKhan) July 14, 2025
This is not merely a case of the challenge to the morality of the Indian citizenry but also a case of deterioration of morality in India itself. Experts argue that internal social crisis in India, corruption-plagued judicial system and lawlessness have completely ruined the reputation of Indians throughout the world.
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