MADRAS. Dec 11 Indian Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said he was astounded by the hoard of gold and silver, lo-talling millions of dollars seized from the home of an actress turned politician in southern India reports AFP.

Deve Gowda told reporters here late Tuesday he was shocked and surprised" that documents and assets "worth several million rupees were uncovered in a raid on Just one of the houses of Jayalalitha Jayaram. former chief minister of Tamil Nadu state.

Jayaram dubbed by critics as India's Imelda Marcos because of her lavish lifestyle, was arrested in the state capital Madras on Saturday following allegations she embezzled 2.4 million dollars.

Her detention led to protests by her supporters across the coastal state.

The raid revealed 16.5 million dollars of goods including more than 30 kilograms of gold and diamonds 400 diamond bangles 40 silver plates weighing 750 kilograms 100 diamond studded watches and a giant golden sword.