Cash and jewellery worth around Rs 2,50,000 were reported stolen from former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's residence in Chennai, police said on Sunday.

The theft was reported from his house located on the Pycrofts Garden Road in Nungambakkam.  

According to police, the theft was noticed by Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram on Saturday night on her return to home when she noticed that one cupboard was open and cash and jewellery kept there missing.

Cash to the tune of about Rs 1,50,000, jewellery worth about Rs 1,00,000 and some silk sarees were stolen.

A police complaint was filed by Nalini’s manager on Saturday night. 

On checking the closed circuit camera footage, two maids were seen entering the house. Police said the theft would have happened about 10 days ago when the Chidambarams were not in the city.

“With the help of CCTV footage, we found out that the theft had happened 10 days ago. They gave a written complaint on Saturday night stating that Rs 1.50 lakh cash, Rs 1 lakh worth jewellery and six silk saris were missing,” said Nungambakkam Assistant Commissioner Muthuvel Pandi. 

On confirming the involvement of their maids in the theft, the Chidambarams have made a request to withdraw the complaint as the maids’ families have promised to return the valuables. 

Meanwhile, police said that they have received a request for withdrawal of the complaint and will take a decision on it later. 

(With IANS inputs)