The robbery happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 9lakha Jewelers in Woodbridge.
Surveillance video shows suspects parking just outside the store before beginning the robbery. Within seconds, glass display cases were smashed as a customer ran from the business.
"They first break this. They have big bags with them, I think plastic bags. They start throwing stuff in those bags," co-owner Sonu Chauhan said.
According to the video, one suspect remained in the getaway vehicle while another held the door. The remaining suspects, armed with sledgehammers, smashed jewelry cases and collected merchandise. The robbery was over in less than 45 seconds, and more than $1 million worth of gold and diamonds was taken, the owners said.
The Chauhans opened 9lakha Jewelers about a year ago, realizing what they described as a lifelong dream.
"I came to this country in 2007... I was working in an IT company, was doing a lot of saving. And I put everything into my store," Chauhan said.
Despite the loss, the owners said they have remained focused on serving customers.
"We're a new business so you don't want people thinking, like 'oh my god, this is always closed.' So that's kind of the reason. Given whatever we have or don't have, we want to make sure the customers are OK. They don't feel the panic," co-owner Sushmita Chauhan said.
Police in Woodbridge are investigating the robbery and seeking leads. The owners said they believe the crime may be part of a broader pattern along Oak Tree Road, a commercial corridor with many Indian-owned businesses, including jewelry stores.
"My fear.. and I hope it's not the case that a particular race or community is being targeted purposely, and some of us are worried about that," Sonu Chauhan said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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