Valuables belonging to last ruler taken away from Hyderabad museum

Gem-studded gold tiffin box and cup may fetch around INR500 million if auctioned

A gem-studded gold tiffin box and cup belonging to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last ruler of what was once the princely state of Hyderabad, were taken away in a daring robbery at the city's Nizam Museum early on Monday, Times of India reported.



The articles may fetch around INR500 million if auctioned. The three-tiered box weighs two kilos and is encrusted with rubies and diamonds. It was presented to Khan as a gift in 1937.

Employees became cognistant of the post-midnight raid after the museum opened at 9am. Police were then alerted.



Police personnel including Commissioner Anjani Kumar inspected the site and CCTV footage in the evening. A burglar is seen entering  the premises via a ventilator. Police suspect the burglary to be an 'inside job'.

"After registering a case, a dog squad and clues team were pressed into service. Already 10 teams are on the lookout for the accused," Assistant Commissioner B Anand said.

This article originally appeared in Times of India.