Crime Today News
Avlani Shoplifting Case
An incident involving an Indian woman named Avlani has sparked outrage and concern across social media platforms, both in India and abroad. Avlani, reportedly a well-educated woman visiting the United States, was caught shoplifting goods worth ₹1 lakh (~$1,200) from a Target store after spending nearly 7 hours inside.
What has truly made this story go viral is police bodycam footage, capturing not just the act of theft, but her casual assumption that “paying off” would resolve the issue — a stark reminder that the rules abroad do not bend the way they sometimes do back home.
Shoplifting is not uncommon in America, but such incidents involving Indian citizens are reinforcing negative stereotypes and contributing to rising anti-Indian sentiment, especially in what some call “Trump’s America 2.0”.
❗ The Fallout
Avlani was immediately arrested, and there was no scope for innocent misunderstandings. She was fluent in English, aware of her actions, and still proceeded with the theft. The U.S. Embassy in India issued a stern advisory within 24 hours, warning that any Indian citizen found involved in theft, fraud, or similar crimes abroad could face visa cancellation and long-term bans.
And it’s not just Avlani.
Just weeks ago, another Indian, Sagar Singh, was detained in Singapore for shoplifting from five different airport stores, again involving goods worth over ₹1 lakh.
These incidents have become fuel for racist online communities — pages like “Indian Invasion” are cropping up, using such cases to mock and vilify Indian travelers, further harming the image of honest Indian citizens globally.
🤦♀️ The “Gawaar Swag” Problem
What social media has dubbed “Gawaar Swag” — the uncouth, arrogant behavior of some educated Indians abroad — is increasingly damaging the nation’s reputation.
Examples include:
-
Loud talking and eating on the London Tube
-
Dancing in aircraft aisles
-
Open urination by migrant workers in Nepal
-
Flouting of rules in Singapore, Thailand, and the UK
-
Mocking local customs and rules
-
Misusing food banks and stealing life jackets from budget airlines
In one viral video, an Indian tourist was seen washing his hands with Thums Up in a restaurant. In another, Indians danced Garba in Austria, played cards on an aircraft aisle, or stared inappropriately at foreign women, even recording themselves doing so.
The fallout is real. Indian students, skilled professionals, and genuine tourists now face added scrutiny and suspicion in immigration queues, universities, and workplaces abroad.
Indians Dancing on the Streets Abroad
Loud talking and eating on the London Tube
Indian taking a bath in the swimming pool in New Zealand
Indian man sitting on the floor and having food at an Airport Abroad
A girl walking on the restaurant table in Singapore
Indian man dancing on a plane
Indian tourist standing on the Buddhist statue to pick mangoes
Indians approaching teenage girls in the United Kingdom
🌍 Image vs Identity: A Mirror to the Nation
This is not about being ashamed of one’s culture — it’s about understanding and respecting the culture of others. In a globalized world, your personal actions are no longer personal. With every viral video, the idea of the “Ugly Indian Tourist” gets stronger.
Instead of taking pride in respect, dignity, and consideration, some are choosing to become infamous for being rule-breakers, loudmouths, and social nuisances.
Even platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become hotbeds for such “gawaar content,” where Indians abroad are mocked and shamed — and sadly, many of these are self-inflicted wounds.
📢 Time for a Cultural Reset
If India aspires to be a global leader — a Vishwaguru — then it must begin by teaching its citizens how to behave like global citizens.
Cultural exchange begins with mutual respect, not mockery. If this trend continues, visa rejections, tighter scrutiny, and community backlash will rise, making it harder for even genuine Indians to pursue education, work, or tourism abroad.
The world is watching. And recording.
Let us not give them the wrong show.
👉 If you believe in changing this narrative, share this article. Awareness is the first step to accountability.
📝 Opinion: We Must Stop Embarrassing Ourselves Abroad
As an Indian who proudly represents my country in global forums and business platforms, I am deeply disturbed by the increasing number of incidents where educated Indians are being caught in acts that bring shame to our nation. The recent case of Avlani — a well-spoken, well-educated woman caught shoplifting in the US — is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a troubling pattern we can no longer ignore.
Whether it’s shoplifting abroad, dancing in planes, eating loudly on public transport, or mocking local laws with arrogance, the behavior of a few is staining the image of a billion. We must understand that once we leave Indian soil, we become unofficial ambassadors of our country. Our actions — good or bad — shape how the world sees India.
It’s time we confront this harsh truth: education alone doesn’t create cultured citizens. We need humility, discipline, and respect for other societies and their norms. No amount of “gawaar swag” can ever justify uncivilized conduct. In a time when Indian students and professionals are increasingly moving abroad, we must raise our standards — not just in skills, but in behavior and basic decency.
Let’s protect India’s dignity, not damage it with thoughtless, embarrassing actions.
— Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair
Opinion Contributor, Crime Today News
This article is published by Crime Today News ©
