CHENNAI: The Koyambedu Police have arrested an auto-rickshaw driver and his female friend for stealing Rs 9.3 lakh worth cash, including foreign currency, from their landlord’s house in the Shakti Nagar at Nerkundram.

The complainant, L Karthikeyan (40), who runs a tissue paper manufacturing unit from the ground floor of his residence in Shakti Nagar, discovered the theft on the evening of December 24. Upon checking a bureau in his home, he found that approximately Rs 9.33 lakh, including some foreign currency, was missing.

Based on his complaint, a case was registered. During the probe, the police identified the suspects with the help of CCTV cameras. They were identified as Nithishkumar (25) of Virugambakkam and Sneha Sampathkumar (21) of Nerkundram. They were apprehended on December 25. Police recovered Rs 66,000 in Indian currency and foreign notes valued at approximately Rs 55,000.

Investigation revealed that Karthikeyan resides on the second floor of the building, while the accused auto driver, Nithishkumar, was a tenant on the first floor. It is alleged that Nithishkumar observed Karthikeyan locking the house and leaving a key behind on December 23. So, he used the key to enter the house to steal everything. He later handed over the stolen goods to Sneha.

Both accused were produced before a court on Friday.