Who is Avlani? Indian woman caught shoplifting $1,000 worth of items at US Target store

Time of India

16-07-2025

A shopping trip to a Target store in the United States took a shocking turn for an Indian tourist, identified as Avlani, after she was allegedly caught shoplifting nearly $1,000 (approx. Rs 1.1 lakh) worth of merchandise. The incident led to her immediate arrest and has since sparked widespread online debate.
Footage of the arrest, captured on a police bodycam, was shared by the independent YouTube channel @BodyCamEdition, known for uploading raw law enforcement videos. The video has since gone viral, racking up over 835,000 views.
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In the clip, Avlani is seen pleading with police officers to let her pay for the items. 'Why can't I just pay for it?' she asks. One officer responds, 'We're way, way, way past that. You committed a felony.'
When Avlani insists, 'But if I'm paying for it, what is the harm?', the officer explains, 'It would have been fine if you didn't leave. You would have had that opportunity to pay. But because you left the store at that point, you chose to not pay for it, and we can't go back.'
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Legal experts say such offenses can carry significant consequences—especially for foreign nationals. Alen Takhsh, a US-based immigration attorney, explains: 'This is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude—one involving dishonesty—which could have serious consequences. If you're in the US on a student visa, an arrest or conviction for shoplifting could lead to visa revocation. If you're on a visitor or work visa, it might affect your ability to re-enter the US in the future.'
The video has divided opinion online. Some commenters have expressed sympathy, suggesting the possibility of a cultural misunderstanding. Others, however, have called the incident deeply embarrassing for the Indian community abroad.