The daughter of the Opawa dairy owner stabbed in a violent robbery has spoken publicly, describing the attack as heartbreaking and disgusting while calling for stronger consequences for young offenders.

Her father, Kamlesh Patel, was stabbed during an aggravated robbery at the family owned Opawa Road dairy around 6.40 on Tuesday morning.

Blood was left on the shop doorstep and police cordoned off the dairy.

Police later arrested a 14 year old boy at a Woolston address.

Christchurch District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said his team had worked relentlessly throughout the day and one youth was now before the court.

In a statement posted on social media, Kamlesh’s daughter Nidhi said her family had endured an experience no family should ever face.

“No one should ever have to wake up to a phone call from their mother, crying and terrified, saying that their dad has been seriously hurt.

“But that is what happened to us yesterday. It was shocking, heartbreaking, and absolutely infuriating especially because it is not the first time.”

She described her father as a hardworking businessman who regularly worked long hours to serve his community.

“My dad works 16 to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. He pours his heart into supporting his community and genuinely loves what he does. The dairy is not just his work, it is his home, his safe place. For him to be treated like this is absolutely disgusting.”

She said the family business had been “violated again” and that her family had been left shaken and frustrated.

She also reacted to the age of the alleged offender.

“I am relieved an arrest has been made, but finding out the offender is only 14 is unbelievable. Fourteen. And somehow we are meant to act like his age excuses this. Absolutely not.”

“Being young does not give anyone the right to walk in, hurt someone, and rip a family apart.

“Actions have consequences and we expect the court to treat this with the seriousness it deserves. He needs to face real accountability and fully understand the fear, pain, and chaos he has caused our family.”

She said the justice system needed to send a clear message to young offenders. “There needs to be a strong message sent to every young offender in this community. If you choose to commit a crime, you will face serious consequences. No excuses. No sympathy. No second chances until you take responsibility for what you have done.

“By God’s grace, Dad is in a stable condition but he has a long road of recovery ahead of him. As a family, we genuinely appreciate every bit of love, support, and strength people have shown us during this horrible time.”

A series of violent incidents have occurred across Christchurch in recent days, including an aggravated robbery at a Heathcote business where a worker was allegedly forced to lie on the floor at gunpoint.

Sunny Kaushal, Chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, has travelled to Christchurch and met with victims, including the Patel family.

He said, “Shocked to see such violent attacks. We need to restore consequences for offending. Offenders need to know police and the justice system will hold them to account.”

“Youth is no excuse for stabbing a vulnerable dairy worker. Who is responsible for looking after these kids? There needs to be greater accountability.”

“I am glad the police response was swift and that arrests have been made. Police are doing their part, and we need to back them. We must also ensure that the justice system is equipped to hold offenders accountable. Without real consequences, policing risks becoming a futile catch and release exercise. We need to have more tools to prevent this type of offending and environment.”

“There must be zero tolerance for such crime. Offenders must know there are real consequences. And the law must stand behind retailers, not criminals. That is precisely the challenge my team at the MAG is addressing and delivering on.”

He said his thoughts were with the victims and their families.

Police are continuing to search for the remaining offenders and have asked anyone with information to contact them.