A video capturing the interrogation of an Indian woman following her apprehension for shoplifting at a Target store in the United States has gone viral on social media. The incident, which occurred in January, has resurfaced and is now generating significant attention. The woman reportedly admitted to stealing merchandise valued at approximately ₹1 lakh. The 10-minute video depicts her in a distressed state during the police questioning, marked by crying, gasping, and choking. Authorities noted that she hyperventilated for over an hour, prompting them to inquire if she required medical assistance. In the footage, the woman identifies herself as being from India and speaks Gujarati as her native language. Reports indicate she had previously shoplifted at the same Target location but had not been caught. This time, the value of the stolen goods exceeded ₹1 lakh. She also stated that she intended to resell the items. Despite the circumstances, the police chose not to press charges, instead issuing a warning and releasing her.
The incident has ignited varied reactions online. Some commenters have suggested shoplifting is common in the US, with a significant percentage of Americans having engaged in it, and that police action often requires a higher threshold for the value of stolen items. Others have criticized the association of the woman’s actions with her national identity and questioned the focus on her actions, with some suggesting that Indians themselves are the biggest detractors of their image. The video’s widespread dissemination continues to fuel online discussions and differing opinions.