BJP leader's house attacked in TN

MADURAI: The houses of BJP's Tamil Nadu unit President H Raja and his father-in-law were attacked allegedly by DMK workers in neighbouring Sivaganga District late last night to protest the reported 'fatwa' issued by former BJP MP Ramvilas Vedanti against Chief Minister M Karunanidhi over his remarks against Lord Ram.

A group of BJP workers retaliated the attack and pelted stones at the residences of some DMK workers in the town, police said.

Window panes and some vehicles parked in the house of Raja were damaged in the attack that took place around midnight.

The attackers also damaged the flag posts of the BJP.

Police said some DMK and BJP workers had been taken into custody in connection with the incidents.

Raja alleged that Karaikudi Municipal Chairman Muthuthurai of DMK and the fishermen wing functionary of the party Narayanan were among those who indulged in the attack.

Raja claimed that the assailants had threatened to hurl petrol bombs at him and kill him.

Taking strong exception to the reported "fatwa" issued by Vedanti, senior DMK leader and state Minister Arcot N Veerasamy had on Saturday said that he would hold a black flag demonstration in front of BJP offices in the state if Vedanti did not withdraw his remarks.