2 steal gold treasure, held

Two workers who stole a treasure that was discovered while laying the foundation for a house, ran out of luck when their excessive indulgences alerted neighbours. Kumbaru Dharmappa and Nayakara Ramudu are now in police custody. 

According to Circle Inspector of Police Mareppa, antique gold ornaments worth Rs 23 lakh (763 gm) were discovered by the duo on Tuesday while laying the foundation for the house being built by Gundur Veereshappa in Sanapura village, near here. 

The workers did not inform Veerappa about the treasure, said to be 100 years old. Instead, they shared it equally among themselves and went on a spending spree. 

Nayakara Ramudu, one of the accused, bought a vehicle and began work on a house of his own. His neighbours told police that he had also started to gamble heavily. Noticing the indulgences, the neighbours informed police. 

Deputy Tahsildar L Balappa inspected the house where the treasure was found.