CCTV Has Contrary Evidence: Georgia man remains behind bars as security footage questions kidnapping claims
A 56-year-old Indian-origin man, Mahendra Patel, has been languishing in a Georgia jail for over a month following accusations of an attempted kidnapping — a charge now under scrutiny after surveillance footage reportedly contradicts the claim, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Footage reveals no evidence of abduction in Walmart incident
The case stems from a March 18 incident at a Walmart store, where 26-year-old Caroline Miller accused Patel of trying to abduct her two-year-old son. Miller alleged that while she was using a motorized cart with her two children, Patel distracted her by asking for Tylenol before allegedly attempting to pull her child off her lap — describing the incident as a physical “tug of war.”
Surveillance shows brief interaction, no sign of struggle
However, The Daily Mail reported that store surveillance footage from nearly 20 angles tells a very different story. The videos reportedly reveal no physical altercation, showing only a short, non-threatening exchange between Patel and Miller.
Patel has denied any wrongdoing, explaining that he simply asked for help finding Tylenol for his ill mother and instinctively reached toward the child, fearing he might fall. He also said he assumed Miller might be physically disabled due to her use of the motorized cart and meant no harm.
Despite the lack of supporting evidence for the kidnapping claim, Patel remains in jail without bond. His attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, has raised concerns about his health and safety while incarcerated and is actively pushing for a review of the case and his release.
