After polling, house of CPI(M) rebel supporter attacked, car set on fire in Kerala

KANNUR: A house belonging to a supporter of a CPI(M) rebel candidate was attacked and a car parked on the premises was set on fire in Payyannur, police said on Friday.Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.The house belongs to T Purushothaman, a resident of Mavicheri in Payyannur. The attack was allegedly carried out by unidentified persons.According to police, the complainant has alleged the involvement of CPI(M) workers in the incident.Purushothaman is a staunch supporter of V Kunhikrishnan, who defected from the CPI(M), levelled corruption allegations against party leaders, and is contesting as an Independent candidate with UDF support in the Payyannur constituency.Police said Purushothaman himself was earlier a CPI(M) member but had left the party a few years ago.According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 12.30 am when unidentified persons allegedly trespassed into the house compound, set fire to the car parked there, and smashed window panes by pelting stones.Police said CCTV footage from the area is being examined as part of the investigation.Following the conclusion of polling on Thursday evening, incidents of alleged attacks by CPI(M) activists on Congress and BJP workers were reported from the Payyannur, Taliparamba, Mattannur and Dharmadam constituencies in Kannur district.(With agency inputs)