Petrol bombs were hurled at the residence of actor-politician S Ve Shekher at Mandaveli in Chennai on late Monday night. Windscreens of the car parked in front of the house were damaged in the attack.

"The incident took place when the entire area was in deep sleep. On hearing the noise, Shekher and other members of his family came out to found the damaged car, whose seats were also partially burnt in the incident," sources said.

The police was immediately given alert and higher officials rushed to the spot to conduct an inquiry. They have launched a manhunt to nab the culprits, besides providing security to Shekher's house.

Shekher, who was the MLA of Mylapore from 2006 to 2011, recently enrolled himself in the Congress party. Before that, the popular comedian and dramatist was an active member of the BJP and the AIADMK.