Kottayam (Kerala): A beach resort owned by BJP Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Kumarakom was allegedly vandalised on Thursday by activists of CPM youth wing DYFI, which alleges that it was constructed by encroaching on government land.

Niraamaya Retreats, owned by the private equity firm Jupiter Capital founded by Chandrasekhar, suffered "extensive damage", the resort management said.

Chandrasekhar, the vice-president of the BJP-led NDA unit in Kerala, represents Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.

Five villas were damaged, the management added.

The resort was attacked when a group of DYFI activists were protesting outside. Some people allegedly part of the group entered the resort compound and vandalised the villas, the management said.

Police said a case had been registered against 20 people.

"We are extremely devastated that some unscrupulous miscreants have caused absolutely extensive damage to our property. Property worth crores and crores of rupees has been destroyed," a company official said.

He rejected the allegation that the resort was constructed by encroaching on government land. "We as a company do not indulge in anything that is even 1 per cent illegal," the official said.

The DYFI's Kottayam district unit condemned the attack.

Niraamaya officials said legal action would be initiated against those who vandalised the villas. PTI