CHENNAI: The house of a BJP functionary was attacked by unidentified persons in Manimangalam around midnight on Thursday. Police have detained five men for questioning in connection with the incident.

The victim, Selvamani, had earlier attended a BJP meeting in Sriperumbudur, where he reportedly criticised the Congress and the DMK. Around 1 am, a man allegedly called out to him by name from outside his house. When Selvamani stepped out, a group of five men, allegedly armed with knives and stones, attempted to attack him.

Sensing danger, Selvamani ran back inside the house. The assailants then attempted to force open the front door, smashed the windshields of two cars and a motorcycle parked outside, and hurled stones at the house, damaging window panes. CCTV cameras installed at the residence were also vandalised.

Selvamani’s wife, Meghala, alerted the police control room, following which a team from the Manimangalam police station rushed to the spot. The attackers fled before the police arrived. CCTV footage and other evidence are being examined.

During preliminary inquiry, Selvamani told the police that a driver linked to a senior BJP leader, identified as Prakash, had called him outside moments before the attack. He alleged that internal party rivalry could be behind the incident, triggered by his remarks at the public meeting.

Meghala alleged that the attack appeared to be an attempt on their lives, stating that they narrowly escaped by locking themselves inside and seeking police help.

Police said five men, including Prakash, have been detained for interrogation, and further investigation is under way.