An Indian woman was caught shoplifting at a Target store in the US earlier this year, and shocking bodycam footage of the incident has since gone viral.
The clip, dated January 15, shows the woman sobbing, choking, and gasping for breath as officers questioned her.
At one point, an officer warned, “Right now you’re not free to leave.” Struggling to breathe, she was urged to calm down, with police telling her not to hyperventilate.
When asked about her language, the woman said she spoke Gujarati and was from India.
Though police offered an interpreter, she declined. Store staff then presented CCTV footage showing her pushing a cart full of goods past checkout without paying. One officer remarked, “So she just walked straight out,” to which staff confirmed, “Yes.”
During questioning, the woman admitted she planned to resell some of the stolen items. She also revealed she held a Washington driver’s license and was a regular customer. Officers informed her she would need to appear in court.
Months later, in July, a similar case emerged in Illinois. Another Indian woman allegedly attempted to steal merchandise worth around ₹1.1 lakh after spending more than seven hours inside a Target store.
Police bodycam footage showed her apologising and offering to pay, saying, “I am really sorry… I am not from this country.” A police officer replied sharply: “Are you allowed to steal things in India? I didn’t think so.”
She was eventually handcuffed and taken to the station after authorities reviewed the bill.
