An Indian woman has been charged with felony theft after allegedly attempting to shoplift goods worth over $1,300 from a Target store in Normal, Illinois. Police bodycam footage of the incident, uploaded by the YouTube channel "Body Cam Edition," has gone viral, sparking widespread debate online.

 

 

Target employees reported that the woman spent almost seven hours in the store before attempting to exit with a full shopping cart without making a purchase. “She was gathering items, checking her phone, moving through the aisles, and ultimately tried to exit through the west gate,” one store employee stated to the officers in the video.

 

 

The footage captures police confronting her as she tries to leave. She continuously begs the officers, offering to pay for the items. “I don’t want to get into any trouble,” she mentions, adding, “I’m really sorry… I’m ready to pay for this.” The officers decline her offer, telling her, “You want to pay for it now, but you weren’t paying for it before.” 

 

 

During her questioning, she informed the police that she did not reside in the U.S. and that her family was located in India. A female officer can be heard asking her, “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I did not think so.”

 

 

Netizens reacted to the incident on social media. 

 

 

One commented, “Who steals for 7 hours? That’s a whole shift at Subway – girl, go apply.” 

 

 

Some users condemned her for allegedly bringing shame to India, with one stating, “She went abroad with the country’s passport to bring disgrace. Because of this one girl’s actions, America’s social media is filled with hatred toward Indians.”

 

 

In response to the viral video, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi released a warning directing Indian nationals that engaging in criminal activities in the U.S. might result in visa revocation.

 

 

The statement, circulated on social media, indicated, “Engaging in assault, theft, or burglary in the United States will not only lead to legal troubles but could also result in your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States upholds law and order and anticipates that foreign visitors adhere to all U.S. regulations.”

 

 

While shoplifting is normally prosecuted under state law, felony charges may be applicable depending on the worth of the stolen items. The woman has been charged, although she has not yet been formally arrested.