Indian Tourist, Anaya Avlani in US Faces Allegations of $1,300
Shoplifting at Target

Los Angeles/July 16, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

An Indian tourist’s shopping trip in the United States turned into a legal nightmare after she was accused of shoplifting over $1,300 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Jimisha Avlani, a marketing professional from Mumbai, had arrived in the U.S. just days earlier to visit her sister’s family near Chicago. On May 1, she entered the store with a list of items to buy—gifts for friends, family treats, and souvenirs. However, by the end of the day, she was arrested by local police after allegedly attempting to exit the store without paying for a cart full of goods.

The incident was captured on police bodycam and shared widely online, showing Avlani pleading, “Why can’t I just pay now?” The officer replied, “We’re past that—you committed a felony.” The video quickly went viral, sparking debate about cultural misunderstandings, the seriousness of shoplifting charges in the U.S., and the risks faced by international visitors unfamiliar with American laws.

Target staff stated she spent nearly seven hours in the store before trying to leave without payment. Due to the high value of items, she now faces felony theft charges, which carry severe consequences in the U.S.—including potential jail time and immigration impacts.

Her case has raised broader concerns about public shaming, legal awareness among tourists, and the long-term effects of viral exposure in the digital age.

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