Gang of seven robs couple at farmhouse near Hosur

Krishnagiri: A gang of seven assaulted a farmer and made away with 8.5 sovereigns of gold jewellery and 3.6 lakh in cash, from his farmhouse near Hosur in Krishnagiri district late on Wednesday night.

Uddanapalli police said the incident took place at the residence of Raja, 60, and his wife, Govindammal, 55, in Thottamettara village. The couple owned 12 acres of farmland and a farmhouse on the property. Their son-in-law, K Ramachandran, 33, and granddaughter R Varshini, 9, were along with them when the crime took place.

Around 10pm, seven masked men arrived in a vehicle and one of the robbers held Govindammal at knifepoint and took a thali and a necklace she was wearing, while the others entered the house and forcibly made away with gold and 9.5 lakh in cash.

When Ramachandran attempted to defend his family with a knife, he was hit on his head by one of the assailants, resulting in a cut that required medical attention at Krishnagiri Government Medical College and Hospital.

Meanwhile, Krishnagiri district SP P Thangadurai told TOI that the suspects were likely locals as they were communicating in Tamil. He added that four special teams have been formed under Denkanikottai DSP Anandharaj to trace and arrest the robbers. Police teams are reviewing CCTV camera footage to identify the suspects and their vehicle. A case has been registered.