Six individuals have been charged following an armed robbery at Shree Ganesh Jewellers in Chermside, Queensland, which left the store’s owner with serious injuries.
Queensland Police confirmed that five men aged between 20 and 29, along with a 16-year-old boy, are facing multiple charges related to the incident on Tuesday 10 June.
Details of the Incident
According to police, a group of masked individuals entered the Gympie Road store shortly after 5pm, armed with hammers and metal bars, while customers were inside. The 38-year-old store owner, Bijaya Sunar, sustained head injuries and underwent surgery for a brain haematoma. His wife, Samita Subarnkar Sunar, and at least one child were also in the store at the time.
The group reportedly smashed display cabinets and took a quantity of jewellery before leaving in a grey Honda CR-V, which had been reported stolen. The vehicle was located nine days later in Berrinba, approximately 40 minutes from the store.
Police Operations and Charges
Following the incident, Queensland Police carried out search operations across Brisbane and Logan. During the execution of multiple search warrants, officers seized items that police allege are linked to the offence, including a firearm.
The following individuals have been charged:
- A 16-year-old boy, charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, endangering a child by exposure and other offences
- A 25-year-old man from Carseldine and a 22-year-old man from Goodna, arrested in Spring Hill and charged with offences including armed robbery and accessory after the fact
- A 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea, each charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery and related offences
Police opposed bail for all six. Their cases were heard in Brisbane Magistrates Court, with proceedings set to continue next month.
Further Investigation Ongoing
Police are continuing to search for a 21-year-old man from Mount Gravatt who they believe may also have been involved. He is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas. Detectives are also investigating whether the Chermside robbery may be linked to a similar incident at a Lutwyche jewellery store on 8 May.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers said, “Detectives have been working tirelessly to get us to today’s result, and we are committed to continue working around the clock until all alleged offenders have been held to account.”
