New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS): The bridal couture collection and cash amounting to close to Rs.60 lakh was stolen from veteran fashion designer Ritu Kumar's flagship store in the capital's South Extension market, a police officer said.

The theft happened in the wee hours of Friday morning.

An FIR has been filed at the Hauz Khas police station, and the investigation is on.

"An estimated loss of Rs.50 lakh to Rs.60 lakh altogether has happened in the theft of the clothes and cash. The theives broke the lock and entered the store," said a police officer.

Her entire bridal couture collection along with a large amount of cash generated from the daily sales and all the IT hardware are currently missing, according to a statement issued on behalf of the designer.

Ritu Kumar is one of the pioneers in the Indian fashion industry. Her bridal wear is considered amongst the best available in the Indian luxury wear market.

Commenting on the "unfortunate" incident, Ritu Kumar said: "Since the computers have been taken away, we are in the process of taking a stock of the inventory physically. What we do know is that the bridal collection along with some hard cash has been missing.

"The police has been very co-operative in the case and we are hoping to get some inroads on the same at the earliest."

Her showroom is located on the main thoroughfare in the South Extension Part II market.