The US Embassy in India issued a warning to visa holders after an Indian woman was caught stealing items worth Rs 1.1 lakh ($1,300) from a Target store in Illinois on May 1, 2025. The embassy stated that committing crimes such as assault, theft, or burglary in the United States can lead to visa revocation and ineligibility for future US visas.

The woman, identified as Ananta Avlani, spent over seven hours in the store, collecting items before attempting to leave without paying. Store employees noticed her suspicious behavior and alerted police. Bodycam footage shows a Target employee accusing her of trying to exit with a cart full of unpaid merchandise. Police detained Avlani, and she now faces felony theft charges.

The US Embassy posted on X, emphasizing that the United States expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws. The advisory highlighted that legal issues from crimes could impact visa status. (Rh/Eth/RS)