The news of a reckless aggravated robbery at Jyotis Dairy in Mount Roskill has shocked Aucklanders who are now worried about law and order in the city.
As of July 6 evening, the police were still searching for “individuals armed with hammers” who had assaulted two people at the dairy store a day before.
The attack, which occurred between 4pm and 5pm on July 5, resulted in serious injuries to the dairy owner's wife, Bhavna Patel, who hails from Gujarat, and a customer. The assailants fled the scene after stealing cash and tobacco.
Bhavna was rushed to Auckland City Hospital, where doctors administered seven stitches on her head before discharging her the next morning.
Talking to The Indian Weekender, Jayanti Patel, the owner of Jyotis Dairy, expressed his distress about the situation.
“Two offenders came in while my wife was working at the shop, and I was out for some work. One man ran behind the counter and started threatening my wife with the hammer, and following the same she activated the fog cannon.”
Patel has owned the dairy for about 15 years. Bhavna told The Indian Weekender she kept requesting the attackers not to hit her, and take whatever they wanted.
“I triggered the fog cannon, and it was then that the second man started hitting my head with a hammer. I put up my hand to save my head. I could have died had the hammer hit my skull at a sensitive place. I’m lucky to be alive,” Bhavna said.
Expressing his concern, Jayanti questioned why such incidents occurred in broad daylight, suggesting the offenders have no fear of consequences.
"The government should understand the gravity of the situation as such brutal attacks are happening on innocent people so often. If the law and order situation does not come under control, how will we business owners survive in New Zealand?"
Another customer who was reportedly shoved during the incident survived the attack with minor injuries.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Allan assured the public that police were treating the incident with “utmost seriousness, actively pursuing the investigation to hold the responsible parties accountable”.
“Police are appalled at the reckless violence exhibited towards innocent community members during this incident, and we know the public share this view. We have no tolerance for the disregard shown for others' safety during this brazen robbery.
“Our investigation is still in the early stages, but we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or has information who has not yet spoken to the police,” Allan said.
Support poured in for the victims and their families from across the board.
Sunny Kaushal, Chair of Dairy and Business Owners’ Group, met the Patels and expressed his sympathy, describing the attack as barbaric.
"We have been saying repeatedly that there is a crime emergency in New Zealand, and it is high time the government accepts it. No New Zealander should go through what the Patels are going through.
“This would never happen if the labour government were as vigilant on aggravated robbery as they are on workplace accidents. Labour has to take responsibility for the wave of robberies because they have chosen to allow store workers to be collateral damage of criminals."
Talking to The Indian Weekender, Narendra Bhana, President of New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc, said, “We are devastated to hear about the Mt Albert tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families during these difficult times.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for small business owners to earn a living in New Zealand. They face inflationary pressure, economic crises, staffing issues and bodily harm.”
Auckland Council Puketapapa Local Board Chair Ella Kumar described the victims as hardworking and undeserving of such a traumatic experience.
"Devastating news about the robbery at Jyotis dairy. It is unfair and traumatic. Dairy owners work long hours very hard and support our local communities. They are just trying to earn a living. The family are very caring, kind-hearted people. They would have given anything. My heart goes out to the family as this traumatic incident will stay with them and their ability to feel safe. So unfair."
To assist with the investigation, the police can be contacted through the 105 phone service, citing reference number 230705/2116. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
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