FULLERTON, CA (Diya TV) — In a chilling turn of events, Dr. Vijay Wali and Dr. Jyotika Wali fell victim to a harrowing attack in their Fullerton driveway, robbed of invaluable family heirlooms after being trailed for 16 miles from a Cerritos jewelry store. The assailants, captured on surveillance video, orchestrated a violent assault, leaving the victims emotionally traumatized.
Returning home on Friday night, the Walis were ambushed as they unloaded their car. One attacker targeted Vijay, punching him in the head and throwing him to the ground. Simultaneously, a second assailant assaulted Jyotika, forcibly snatching her purse. The assailants fled in two cars, a gray/silver Nissan Altima and a black Honda Odyssey, driven by additional accomplices.
The family’s daughter, Dr. Priyanka Wali, who witnessed the incident from inside the house, swiftly called 911. The assailants’ audacity was further underscored by their meticulous tracking of the couple’s movements. Surveillance footage revealed the attackers monitoring the Walis both at the jewelry store and Jyotika’s office, suggesting a highly organized criminal operation.
The stolen items included a dehjoor, a culturally significant hexagonal jewel worn by Kashmiri Hindu brides, carrying profound symbolic value. Priyanka, engaged and anticipating receiving some of these jewels in upcoming ceremonies, emphasized the profound loss the family now faces.
Fullerton Police, actively investigating the incident as a “home invasion robbery,” refrained from disclosing further details to protect the ongoing inquiry. The Walis’ deviation from their usual route after leaving the jewelry store adds another layer of concern, with the assailants seemingly adjusting their strategy.
The emotional toll on the victims is palpable, with Jyotika expressing fear and Vijay disclosing he’s scared to return home. Despite the trauma, both victims resumed work over the weekend. Priyanka, a practicing physician, remarked on the profound impact of the emotional and physical trauma, emphasizing that while bodily functions may persist, the damage remains devastating.
The incident has ignited community concerns about safety, prompting reflections on the vulnerability of individuals in seemingly secure neighborhoods. As the investigation progresses, the family, along with their community, awaits justice and hopes for the recovery of the irreplaceable stolen treasures. The heinous act serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security measures to safeguard residents from such audacious criminal acts.
