Maid runs away with Rs 20,000, gold jewellery, held

TRICHY: Kumbakonam police on Sunday arrested a 30-year-old maid on charges of stealing 57 sovereigns of gold ornaments and `20,000 cash from her employer. Police said the woman had joined work a week ago, claiming to be a distant relative of the house owner.
The accused was identified as Selvi. Police said S Leelavathi, 68, is a resident of Mahamaham tank west bund area in Kumbakonam.She resides there with her two married sons. Her husband Swaminathan died a few years ago.
Leelavathi had been looking for a maid to assist her in household works.Around a week ago Selvi, 30, approached Leelavathi for the job. She introduced herself as a distant relative of the family and also mentioned the names of a few people who knew her. Conviced by her sweet talk, Leelavathi employed Selvi for the job.
Meanwhile, three days ago Leelavathi discovered 57 sovereigns of gold ornaments and `20,000 cash missing from the bureau. Selvi also failed to turn up for work. All efforts to trace her proved futile which raised suspicion among family members. Leelavathi lodged a complaint with Kumbakonam West police station. Subsequently , they located Selvi at Sarangapani Vadampokki Street in Kumbakonam.