Kannur (Kerala) | 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 at Payyannur here, police said on Friday.

Payyannur police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.

The house targeted belonged to T Purushothaman, a native of Mavicheri in Payyannur.

The attack was allegedly carried out by unidentified persons, police said.

According to the police, the complainant has alleged that CPI(M) workers were involved in the incident.

Purushothaman is a staunch supporter of V Kunhikrishnan, who defected from the CPI(M), raising corruption allegations against party leaders, and contested 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.

As per the FIR, the incident occurred around 12.30 am when unidentified persons trespassed into the house compound, set fire to the car parked there, and smashed window panes by pelting stones.

Police officials 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 in the Payyannur, Taliparamba, Mattannur, and Dharmadam constituencies of Kannur district.