In a shocking incident of mistaken identity, a 15-year-old boy, Aarav Nagpal, recounted the terrifying moment two intruders invaded his family’s new home in Hillside, Melbourne, early on December 30. The family had only settled into the residence a few days prior when, at approximately 2am, the assailants jumped over a fence and forced their way inside.
Aarav’s father was alarmed by the commotion and confronted one of the intruders, who was brandishing a firearm in the hallway. Aarav, who stated he was mostly asleep during the ordeal, mentioned that his mother was particularly frightened. The situation escalated when a second intruder threatened Aarav’s father at gunpoint just outside their front door.
Recognising they had targeted the wrong house, the attackers and their accomplices quickly fled in two getaway vehicles. Despite the harrowing experience for the family, nothing was stolen during the incident. Senior Constable Sean Armstrong emphasised that the family’s right to safety was violated, condemning the actions of the gunmen and affirming that authorities were committed to pursuing every lead. Three months later, police have yet to make any arrests and are seeking public assistance to identify those involved.
CCTV footage has been released showing a white smart car and a silver sedan spotted in the vicinity around the time of the invasion, alongside images of two men believed to be connected to the crime. Authorities speculate that the intruders were likely searching for a former resident of the property, highlighting the tragic nature of this case as a ghastly misunderstanding.