Indian call to stop violence

A photo of slain dairy worker Bhagubhai Vaghela on stage with politicians (from left) Phil Goff, Chris Carter, Bruce Hucker and Ashraf Choudhary in Auckland. Picture / Paul Estcourt

The son of slain dairy worker Bhagubhai Vaghela yesterday called on the Government to ensure there is no more senseless violence against members of the Indian community.

"We need some sort of protection against these kinds of people in our society," Jatin Vaghela told a meeting of about 500 people, politicians, police and community leaders yesterday.

"The Government needs to take some strong actions and send a strong message to people who are doing this to make sure it doesn't get repeated again and again.
"Many of us work in dairies, petrol stations, [drive] taxis and work long hours for our families.

"We must get together and fight against those people who are doing this and we want support from the Government."

West Auckland man James Lawrie has been charged with murdering Mr Vaghela and the aggravated robbery of five other stores last month.

Police allege that Lawrie was a heavy user of pure methamphetamine and was using the drug when he allegedly shot Mr Vaghela.

Jatin Vaghela said he hoped justice would be served, "but what punishment is enough?"

His concerns were echoed by the brother of Navin Govind, who was beaten to death in 1993 by three youths with softball bats. Manhar Govind said the 16- and 17-year-olds who beat his brother in his Kelston dairy were released from prison four to five years ago.

He said Mr Govind's wife and daughter had to pay for counselling while one of the killers was entitled to it for free.

"Changes are long overdue. If there are no changes from here we can expect our situation to become worse.

"It is up to the Government of the day ... to implement harsher penalties and give support to victims and their families.

District Court judge Ajit Singh, speaking on behalf of the family of Shiu Prasad, who was stabbed to death in his Mangere liquor store five years ago, said: "It is not only a perception but it is a reality that the support victims' families receive is only nominal.

"One would expect, and I'm speaking in my personal capacity here today, that there is much more support that victims of families can be provided with."

Justice Minister Phil Goff said methamphetamine was associated with extreme violence and people committing armed robberies to feed their addiction. The Government had put money into police and border control to fight the drug problem, and methamphetamine had been reclassified as Class A.

Mr Goff said there was little consolation, whatever the sentence, for losing a loved one.

* Auckland superette worker Bhagubhai Vaghela, 58, was shot in the chest about 9pm on June 19 from close range with a small-calibre gun.

* There were no signs of a struggle and Mr Vaghela was shot while standing behind the counter.