A recent shoplifting case in Normal, Illinois has gone viral after an Indian woman, Anaya Avlani, spent over 7 hours inside a Target store, allegedly trying to leave with $1,300 worth of unpaid merchandise.
The incident took place on May 1, 2025. Body-cam footage shows police confronting Avlani, who apologized and offered to pay. Officers declined, citing that the matter had escalated to felony theft.
Avlani, reportedly a visitor, is now facing legal action and possible visa consequences. The U.S. Embassy in India and India’s Ministry of External Affairs have both issued warnings to citizens abroad to follow local laws and respect host country regulations.
