Gurdeep Singh Luther, 50, owner of Pooja Jewellers on Kolmar Road, was seriously injured today in a “violent robbery involving three armed thieves”. The incident took place at 5.45 pm on 23 June, 2024.
"Three to four robbers armed with hammers and sharp tools stormed the jewellery shop in an attempt to steal jewellery boxes," said Daljit Singh, spokesperson for the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, who is present at the crime scene.
According to Daljit, Gurdeep attempted to prevent the robbers from entering the shop and was struck twice on the head with a hammer before being attacked with a knife.
In a bid to defend his father, Gurdeep's son armed himself with a “sword-like weapon from the back of the store, but his mother restrained him from attacking the robbers,” Daljit told The Indian Weekender.
Photo: Supplied
According to Daljit, initial CCTV footage suggests the robbers did not gain access to the entire store. They managed to grab three jewellery boxes from the front and fled, leaving shattered doors and windows in their wake.
New Zealand police addressed the incident in a press release.
"Police are making enquiries following a robbery at a Kolmar Road store in Papatoetoe.The Eagle helicopter responded to the area, however the offenders left in a vehicle prior to arrival and were not located," it said in the release.
“Police are working to piece together exactly what occurred, we are speaking with a number of witnesses and will conduct a scene examination," Inspector Keki Wilson says.
Enquiries are underway.
Gurdeep was taken to Middlemore Hospital, where doctors are currently treating him.
"The doctors have sewn up the knife wound and are waiting for scans to assess his condition," Daljit added.
Gurdeep remains conscious and is able to communicate, though minimally. Notably, Gurdeep Singh Luther also serves as the chairperson of the Papatoetoe local business association.
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