A video of the interrogation of an Indian woman who was caught shoplifting at a Target store in the US is currently circulating widely on social media, drawing significant attention. The incident, which took place in January, has become a trending topic due to the video’s resurgence. The woman admitted to stealing items worth approximately ₹1 lakh. The video, approximately 10 minutes long, shows her in a highly agitated state during the police questioning, marked by crying, gasping, and choking. Authorities stated she hyperventilated for over an hour, prompting an offer of medical assistance. The woman stated she is from India and her mother tongue is Gujarati. Reports indicate she had previously stolen from the same Target store, but was not caught until this instance, where the value of the stolen items exceeded ₹1 lakh. She also revealed her intention to resell the stolen goods. Despite the situation, the police did not press charges, instead issuing a warning and releasing her.
The incident has provoked varied responses from internet users. Some commentators suggest that shoplifting is not a major concern in the US, with a significant percentage of the population having engaged in it, and that police action is often contingent upon the value of the stolen goods. Conversely, other users have criticized the association of the woman’s actions with her Indian identity and questioned why this connection is being made, with the implication that the actions of one individual are not representative of an entire group. The video continues to spread across social media, sparking considerable debate.