A Brisbane-based family says they are living in fear after an alleged armed robbery targeted their Indian shop in the northern suburb of Zillmere.
The Sona Indian Palace was invaded by an armed thief at around 6pm on September 23.
Police allege that a 19-year-old man entered the Zillmere Road address and grabbed a female attendant by the shoulder while demanding money from the cash register.
They say that the perpetrator also produced a weapon resembling a pistol and threatened the male storekeeper.
Sukhninder Singh Sahota told SBS Punjabi that he is very concerned about the welfare of his family members.
Sukhninder Singh Sahota runs a take away Indian shop at Brisbane’s northside suburb of Zillmere Source: Supplied
“He put a pistol on my 8-year-old daughter before fleeing away with cash from the teller. We’re living in fear and our business and family life is suffering due to these repeated invasions," he said.
Sahota said the robbery didn’t happen for the first time at his shop.
“We’re very concerned and fed up with the robberies and stealing happening in this area. We’re constantly in touch with Police to report these issues. But sometimes they’re teenagers and you just can’t do nothing about it.”
Qld Police have arrested a man in connection with this incident.
Sukhninder Singh Sahota's wife and daughter Source: Supplied
He has been charged with several offences including armed robbery, dangerous conduct with a weapon, enter premises and commit an indictable offence, obstruct police and trespass.
He was denied police bail and is due to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Last year SBS Punjabi reported how Mr Sahota’s family was terrified by a group of children.
"[Shoplifting happens] a lot of times, but now we’re fed up with this torture and intimidation," he said.
"We are sick and tired. Everyone in and around this area and Zillmere train station suffering from this misbehave. We hope Police will take some serious steps to stop these incidents.”
Mr Sahota had provided CCTV footage to the police showing the group shoplifting and indulging in abusive behaviour.
He also filmed two boys coming face to face with him, throwing pebbles and threatening to attack with him a stick.
An Indian immigrant, Mr Sahota moved to Australia in 1982 from Ludhiana, Punjab.
