Two Indian Students arrested for Shoplifting in New Jersey, US

Two Indian students, Bhavya Linganagunta (20) from Hyderabad, Telangana, and Yamini Valkalpudi (22) from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, were arrested for an alleged shoplifting incident at a grocery store in New Jersey, USA.

Why were Telugu female students arrested?

On March 19, 2024, around 5:15 p.m., Police Officers Chelsea Tamborra and Rose Kanan responded to a report of shoplifting at ShopRite, a grocery store in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Upon arrival, they found two women both from Jersey City, attempting to leave the store with 27 items totaling $155.61 after only paying for two items worth $8.74. The officers transported them to Hoboken Police Headquarters, where they were processed on shoplifting charges and released with summonses and court dates.

Two Telugu girls arrested for ‘shoplifting’ in US

They offered double payment and pleaded against repeating the offence.

Two indian students one from Hyderabad and one from Guntur pursuing their studies in New Jersey USA were arrested by the police in an alleged shoplifting… pic.twitter.com/OkrDM6CvSa

— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) April 18, 2024

The police have made the entire 24-minute interrogation video, recorded on bodycams, available to the public. In the video, the two women, speaking Telugu, tried to convince the officers of their innocence.

However, one of the officers appeared determined and eventually arrested them. It's speculated that the officer's persistence may have stemmed from the women's previous involvement in a similar incident at the same store.

Students offer double payment

Following their apprehension by Hoboken city police on charges of shoplifting, they are willing to pay the “full amount.” One of them even offered to pay double. Others apologized to the police and said they would not repeat this offence if they let them go.

They pleaded against facing further consequences and assured the police that they would not engage in such behaviour again. When questioned about their actions, one student cited a limited account balance, while the other claimed they simply forgot to pay for some items.

“Will this affect us for H-1B process or any job?”

Officer: “Yes! If they run your information, it’s going to show that you were arrested.” pic.twitter.com/6I5rbRQ32Z

— U.S. Tech Workers (@USTechWorkers) April 9, 2024

As they were being transported to the police station to undergo booking, one of the women asked, “Will this affect us for the H-1B process or job?”

“Yes! If they run your information, it’s going to show that you were arrested,” one officer replied.

The police emphasized the seriousness of their actions and proceeded with the arrest. Additionally, the students were required to provide written confirmation that they would refrain from visiting the shop in the future.

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