Kottayam, Kerala: A major burglary has been reported at the Rubber Board residential quarters in Puthuppally on Tuesday.

The theft happened in two staff quarters of the Rubber Board, which comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

There was also an attempt to break into a third quarter. Police estimate that around 75 sovereigns of gold have been stolen.

No residents were present in the quarters at the time of the incident. Following reports of the burglary, the Kottayam East Police and a dog squad reached the spot and are conducting a detailed investigation.

Kottayam District Police Superintendent Shahul Hameed told the media that a North Indian gang is suspected to be behind the burglary. Police are also examining similar theft cases reported recently in the state and are investigating whether the accused received any local assistance, he added.