Indian Woman Caught in Target Theft, Bodycam Video Creates Buzz in US
Viral bodycam video shows an Indian woman detained for shoplifting at a US Target store. Police say she admitted intent to resell stolen goods.
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An Indian woman was detained at a Target store in the United States earlier this year after being accused of shoplifting, according to police body camera footage that later circulated online.
The incident occurred on January 15. The recording showed officers questioning the woman, who appeared visibly distressed and struggled to breathe while responding. At the start of the exchange, an officer informed her that she was not free to leave.
Police repeatedly asked her to slow down her breathing to avoid hyperventilation. “Take a deep breath for me… I cannot continue if you keep breathing like that,” one officer told her.
When officers inquired about her language, she said English was “not very good” and identified Gujarati as her first language. She also confirmed she was originally from India but insisted she did not need an interpreter.
Store employees presented security footage showing the woman leaving with a cart filled with merchandise without paying at checkout. One officer observed, “She just put everything in the cart and walked past.” Staff added that although she frequently shopped at the store, this was the first time she had been caught attempting theft.
The woman later admitted that some of the items were intended for resale. Police confirmed she held a Washington-issued driver’s license. She was informed that she would be required to appear in court.
The questioning also included checks about possible medical conditions due to her heavy breathing. She denied needing medical assistance.
This case was not isolated. In July, a separate incident in Illinois involved another Indian woman accused of shoplifting goods worth nearly Rs 1.1 lakh. She allegedly remained inside a Target store for over seven hours before attempting to leave with unpaid items.
Footage from that case showed the accused apologizing and offering to settle the bill on the spot. “I am really sorry… I am not from this country, I am not going to stay here,” she said. An officer replied, “Are you allowed to steal in India? I didn’t think so.”
Authorities reviewed the bill, handcuffed her, and transported her to the police station.
