KOTTAYAM: A group of people today allegedly vandalised a resort at Kumarakom near here, claiming that it was constructed encroaching government land.
Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom Private Limited, which suffered 'extensive damage' due to the attack, is a hospitality venture of private equity firm Jupiter Capital founded by Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Chandrasekhar, resort management said.
Five villas in the resort were damaged in the attack, The resort was attacked when a group of activists belonging to CPI(M)'s youth wing, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), were staging protests against it.
During the protest, some people, allegedly a part of the protesting group, entered the resort compound and vandalised the villas, the management said.
Police said a case has been registered against 20 persons in connection with the incident.
“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 allegations that the resort was constructed encroaching government land.
"We as a company do not indulge in anything that is even one per cent illegal," the official said.
DYFI Kottayam district unit condemned the attack.
Niraamaya officials said legal action would be initiated against those who vandalised the villas.
Incidentally, Rajiv Chandrasekhar heads Asianet News which was one of the first news channels to expose the encroachment of land by Former Transport Minister Thomas Chandy which led to his resignation.
(With inputs from PTI)