Kovai gold firm heist: Staffer, accomplice held

Police said they arrested Suresh (30) of Kempatti Colony here and J Renuga Devi (26), the employee, and recovered 803 sovereigns and Rs 1.34 lakh in cash looted on April 27.

According to the complaint lodged with police, a man covering his face with a handkerchief had entered the office of Muthoot Mini Financiers Private Limited when only two women employees, including Renuga Devi, were present.

He assaulted and rendered them 'unconscious' before taking away the jewels and the cash. There were no security personnel at the office at the time of the incident.

Police, who formed five special teams to crack the case, said no signs of a violent attack were found at the office. The needle of suspicion pointed to Renuga Devi, who was hospitalised, after initial investigations.

Renuga Devi spilled the beans after she was interrogated. “The accused had given coffee mixed with sleeping tablets to her colleague. She fell unconscious after the robber punched her hard. Following this Renuga Devi helped Suresh empty the jewels stored in the locker,” police said.

To escape from police suspicion, Renuga Devi sought treatment at a private hospital from where she got discharged. She then admitted herself in another hospital though she did not have any visible injuries.

Based on her information, a special team of police rushed to Palakkad and arrested Suresh, where he was hiding with the booty. He also melted the gold ornaments into bars at the smithery run by his father.

Police seized the gold bars and Rs 1.34 lakh in cash. Further investigations were on, police added.