The car of Puducherry Slum Clearance Board Chairman and ruling AINRC MLA P. Karthikeyan parked in front of his house at Annai Theresa Nagar in Moolakulam was allegedly set on fire by miscreants in the early hours of Thursday.
According to police, petrol was poured over the official car (Toyota Innova) of Mr. Karthikeyan parked at the residence and set on fire. Neighbours who noticed the vehicle engulfed in flames informed the MLA over his mobile phone and alerted the Fire and Rescue Service Department.
Mr. Karthikeyan came out of his house and tried to douse the fire. But the vehicle was completely gutted in the incident that occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Superintendent of Police (South) T. Bairavasamy conducted enquiries. A case has been registered. Meanwhile, supporters of the MLA blocked traffic on the Moolakulam Road demanding the police to arrest the culprits.
Police personnel pacified the agitators following which they withdrew their protest.
It may be recalled that Mr. Karthikeyan was one of the five MLAs in the ruling AINRC who revolted against the party leadership protesting against delay in finalising the official nominee for the Rajya Sabha elections.
