What began as an ordinary shopping trip quickly spiraled into legal chaos for Anaya Avlani, an Indian national visiting the United States. Avlani, who was reportedly on a tourist visa, is now facing felony retail theft charges in Illinois for allegedly attempting to steal merchandise worth $1,300 from a Target store.

Embarrassing much!

Indian woman Anaya Avlani visiting the US is facing felony charges for allegedly shoplifting $1,300 (Rs1,11,617) worth of goods from a Target store in Illinois

She spent nearly 7 hours inside the store, wandering through aisles, glued to her phone before… pic.twitter.com/2SfTtjkjhH
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) July 16, 2025

As the video went viral, the US Embassy in India has issued a pointed warning to visa holders that breaking American laws could result in visa revocation and ..

The incident occurred at a Target outlet in Niles, a suburban village in Cook County, where Avlani reportedly spent nearly seven hours roaming the aisles before allegedly trying to leave with items she had not paid for. Her behavior during those hours, caught on store surveillance and later detailed by law enforcement, has raised eyebrows across both local and international media.

Wandering for Hours, Glued to Her Phone

According to police reports, Avlani was seen meandering through the store for almost seven hours, frequently distracted by her mobile phone. Store employees initially did not find her presence unusual but became suspicious when she appeared to be filling her cart with high-value items without approaching any checkout counter.

Eventually, security alerted local police, who responded promptly. When officers confronted her near the store’s exit, she allegedly had a cart full of unpaid items, ranging from electronics to home goods and personal care products.

#AnayaAvlani, an Indian woman visiting the U.S., spent 7 hours inside a Target store in Illinois and allegedly attempted to steal goods worth $1,300. Bodycam footage shows her pleading ignorance, saying, “I’m not from this country,” to which a cop responded, “Are you allowed to… pic.twitter.com/FAeB6xTjGo
— ARCLANTIC (@arclanticltd) July 17, 2025

“I’m Not from This Country” – A Plea That Backfired

Bodycam footage from one of the responding officers captured a visibly distressed Avlani claiming, “I’m not from this country,” in what seemed like an emotional appeal for leniency. The officer, however, was unmoved and asked pointedly, “Are you allowed to steal in India?”

The exchange, while controversial, underscores a cultural and legal misunderstanding that some foreign visitors might have when navigating unfamiliar legal systems. The footage quickly made its way onto social media, triggering debates online about cultural sensitivity, crime, and the treatment of international tourists under the law.

Felony Charges Could Have Serious Consequences

Avlani has been charged with felony retail theft, a serious offense in the state of Illinois. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison, along with hefty fines and a permanent criminal record in the United States. For a non-citizen, such a conviction could also jeopardize visa status, future travel eligibility, or even lead to deportation.

Legal experts believe that the sheer value of the goods involved is what elevated the crime to a felony level. In Illinois, retail theft of goods valued above $300 typically constitutes a felony, especially if done in a deliberate or organized fashion.

Public Reaction: Humiliation, Sympathy, and Outrage

Public response to the incident has been mixed. Some social media users have expressed sympathy for Avlani, assuming she may have been unaware of the legal consequences or was possibly overwhelmed. Others have not been as forgiving, viewing her actions as a deliberate attempt to exploit the system and demanding that she be held accountable like any U.S. citizen would be.

Back in India, where the story has also garnered considerable attention, debates have emerged regarding the national image, accountability abroad, and the conduct of Indian tourists.

What Lies Ahead for Anaya Avlani?

As Avlani awaits her court proceedings, her case serves as a cautionary tale for international travelers. Understanding local laws, respecting retail practices, and maintaining cultural sensitivity are crucial when visiting foreign countries.

Legal proceedings in the U.S. can be complex and slow-moving, especially for foreign nationals unfamiliar with the system. Whether her defense can prove a lack of intent or demonstrate mitigating circumstances remains to be seen. Until then, the incident stands as an uncomfortable reminder that ignorance of the law is rarely a viable excuse, no matter where you’re from.

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