Mangaluru: Thieves broke into a builder's house at Konchady here on the evening of Saturday July 3 and looted Rs 18 lac cash.

CCTV images reveal that the robbery was committed by a man and a woman who had been hired by the builder a few days ago. They were assisted by at least four others who are currently absconding.

As per the sources, Builder Narasimha Rao had placed an advertisement in a daily on June 22 seeking to hire a maid and a watchman. A man identified as Shiva (32) and woman Jyoti (22), who claimed to be from Dharwad, came to the builder's house seeking employment. They were hired without any background check. The builder even constructed an outhouse for them in his compound.

On Saturday evening, at around 4.30 pm, Rao and his family had gone to visit a relative's house. Taking advantage of the situation, Shiva and Jyoti broke into the house with four other persons including a woman around 6.15 pm.

CCTV images reveal that the thieves first burnt down the door of the house and then broke it open with sharp tools.

The thieves decamped with Rs 18 lac in cash but could not find the gold. Although there were six persons in the gang, only Shiva and Jyoti actually committed while the others assisted them, it is said.

As soon as the incident came to light, Kavoor police along with a canine squad and fingerprint experts visited the spot and examined the spot.

Kavoor police have registered a case. Mangaluru: