'They Respect India': Japanese Police Let Indian Tourist Off With Warning After Alleged Shoplifting

An alleged shoplifting incident involving an Indian tourist during a trip to Japan has sparked widespread discussion online after an investment advisor recounted the episode on social media. The incident, shared by Muthukrishnan Dhandapani on X, described how a woman travelling with his tour group was reportedly detained after being caught stealing items from a souvenir store.According to Dhandapani, fellow travellers were unaware of the woman's actions until staff at a tourist shop intervened.“In our group, from the beginning one lady has been shoplifting. We were not aware of it,” he said.The matter reportedly escalated when the woman was caught inside a souvenir outlet. Dhandapani claimed she immediately attempted to resolve the issue by offering

payment for the items."In one of the tourist souvenir shops, she was caught. She immediately offered to pay money," Dhandapani said.However, the shop owner allegedly refused the offer and took offence at the response. Dhandapani said the shopkeeper emphasised that theft is uncommon in Japan and expressed disappointment over the incident."The Japanese shop keeper said that they are a high trust society where stealing is rare and have great respect for India," Dhandapani wrote. “He said more than stealing, what offended him was offering money after being caught.”The shopkeeper then reportedly contacted local authorities. Dhandapani said the group's tour manager accompanied the woman to a police station, describing the involvement of law enforcement as unusual given Japan's low crime rates."In Japan, you can never see police. Crime rate is very less. Traffic discipline is very high. The shopkeeper called the police. Our tour manager accompanied that lady to police station," Dhandapani wrote.The investment advisor further alleged that the woman repeated her attempt to offer money after arriving at the police station."In police station too that lady offered money. The Japanese police was not amused."Dhandapani claimed officers explained the legal implications of shoplifting and cautioned her about the seriousness of the offence. He added that the woman was eventually released after receiving a stern warning."But she being an Indian and they respect India a lot, she was let go with severe warning,” the X user concluded.Note: Times now could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral post.

The post quickly gained traction online, prompting criticism from several social media users, many of whom argued that such incidents tarnish India's image abroad.“People like her are severely damaging brand India. When you are outside the India, you are reflection of India, be accountable and mindful to your act,” X user Rajan Singh said.“Pathetic state of Indian behaviour. We are famous for taking items like towels, soaps,and shampoo bottles from luxurious hotels during checkout,” another user said.