Mahendra Patel Demands Apology After Walmart Arrest, Jail Ordeal

India-West News Desk

ATLANTA, GA — Mahendra Patel, a Cobb County man, is demanding a public apology from authorities after kidnapping charges against him were dropped on August 6, 2025. Patel spent 47 days in the Cobb County Jail following an accusation that he attempted to kidnap a toddler at an Acworth Walmart on March 18.

Patel’s life was significantly disrupted by the false accusation. He was held until his release on bond, and his attorney later released video footage that she asserted proved his innocence.

The 47 days in jail took a heavy toll on Patel. “In a jail, people don’t take it lightly when you try to do something with the kids,” Patel told FOX 5 Atlanta, detailing the fear he experienced. “So, I got death threats, I got people want to beat me up.” During his incarceration, he worried constantly about his family and said his business suffered.

With the charges dismissed, Patel’s primary demand is for public recognition of the mistake. “All I really wanted was these guys to publicly comment, apologize and own up to the mistake they made,” Patel told the news channel. “Nobody has done it. I’m telling you right now they can go out on TV or social media and just apologize and own up to the mistake they did that got me in jail for 47 days.”

Patel also criticized the accuser, Caroline Miller, stating he had “no idea what was going on in… her head that she made those statements to the police.” He urged her to “think hard about saying or doing anything that could affect someone else’s life.” Furthermore, Patel stressed that both the police and the district attorney’s office should have exercised due diligence while investigating the original accusation.

Despite the traumatic experience, Patel considers himself “one of the lucky ones” whose case was ultimately dismissed, allowing him to move forward. He expressed gratitude for the widespread support he received, including from the over 90,000 people who signed a petition on his behalf.

The ordeal has also fundamentally changed his view of official statements. “I would never, ever believe anybody in police or a prosecutor telling anything on TV,” Patel told Fox. “Show me the evidence, show me the evidence. This guy is innocent until he’s proven guilty. This is how the system’s supposed to work.”