Around 100 BJP workers in Nandigram’s Gokulnagar fled their homes following a violent clash with Trinamul supporters, and then with police, on Thursday night.

The clash, which allegedly took place over the issue of corruption in distribution of compensation for people affected by Cyclone Amphan, left a police sub-inspector and three civic volunteers from Tekhali station seriously injured and hospitalised. Sources said five BJP workers were arrested on Friday afternoon in connection with the clash.

“The clash broke out when a gang of Trinamul workers approached the grocery shop of the BJP booth president Joydev Das, who was present with a group of party workers discussing the issue of Amphan aid,” said a villager, who added that after an altercation, angry Trinamul workers had vandalised the store.

Trinamul workers allegedly stormed and ransacked the homes of several BJP workers later. “The Amphan aid issue has become sensitive in the area, but we did not imagine this level of fighting over it,” said another resident.

Sources said the four officers from Tekhali were gheraoed and thrashed by the BJP workers.

The injured are admitted to Nandigram super-specialty hospital.

Following the violence against the police officers, a larger contingent arrived at the spot and dispersed the agitators.

Sources said almost all BJP workers present during the incident went absconding, except for the five arrested — Prasanta Kotal, Manoranjan Laya, Sukumar Das, Arindam Samanta and Sankar Jena.

“This is a concerted campaign by the Trinamul to deflect attention from their own shortcomings at the moment. What's worse is they are being aided by the police," said BJP district vice-president Pralay Pal.

Trinamul vice-president (Nandigram) Abu Taher denied the party’s involvement in Thursday’s incident. “The incident took place between the police and some BJP workers. We are not involved,” he said.