Viral Video Sparks Misidentification Controversy

A video circulating online has led to widespread confusion and misidentification. The footage shows a woman in handcuffs, initially claimed to be an Indian tourist named Anaya Avalani, accused of shoplifting in the United States. The video, shared on social media platforms, depicts the woman being apprehended for allegedly stealing goods worth $1,300 from a Target store. However, investigations have revealed that the video is misleading and does not involve the Indian tourist.

Misleading Claims and Social Media Reactions

The video was initially shared by a user on X, who described the incident as a disgrace to India’s reputation. The post claimed that Anaya Avalani spent seven hours in a store before attempting to leave with unpaid items. This narrative quickly gained traction online, with another user labeling the incident as “A Gujju in America.” Despite these claims, NDTV’s investigation found that the video was originally posted by a Mexican news outlet, Record, on May 1, 2025. The actual incident involved a woman faking pregnancy to steal clothing from a Coppel store in Mexico.

The Real Incident Involving Jamisha Avalani

The confusion arose when footage of an unrelated incident involving an Indian tourist surfaced. In this case, police bodycam footage captured a Target employee accusing Jamisha Avalani of spending hours in the store and attempting to leave with a cart full of items. The employee reported seeing her browsing for seven hours, checking her phone, and moving between aisles before trying to exit without paying.

Legal Implications and Online Discussions

The case has sparked discussions about shoplifting and its legal consequences for international visitors in the US. Jamisha Avalani reportedly provided a false name to law enforcement officers during questioning, claiming she did not have identification at the time. She was eventually identified correctly as Jamisha Avalani, who was visiting family members in the US.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly online and underscores the importance of verifying facts before sharing content. It also raises questions about the treatment of international visitors and the legal ramifications of such incidents.