A trader and social activist from Nadia's Phulia was allegedly thrashed by a BJP mandal committee president and his brother for refusing to donate to the party fund for a public meeting of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday.

Sujan Joardar, 35, of Belgoria village and owner of a battery factory, was allegedly thrashed by BJP leader Pradip Sarkar and his brother Sudip Sarkar on Wednesday evening.

Some BJP supporters rescued a bleeding Joardar and took him to the primary health centre. Hospital sources said his nose was fractured and a few teeth and his lower jaw were dislocated.

On Thursday, Joardar lodged a complaint with Santipur police against Pradip and Sudip. Police haven't started a case.

Trouble began last week when Pradip demanded a "big donation" for Suvendu Adhikari's Thursday visit to Phulia for the party's "Meri Mati Mera Desh (My soil, my country)" event.

Joardar said he "humbly" expressed his inability to donate to any party fund as he "never makes political donations", but would donate for a social cause. His refusal allegedly made the brothers abuse, kick and punch him.

Accused BJP leader Pradip refuted the charges. He claimed there was a scuffle between his brother Sudip and Joardar over old business issues. "I separated them but ended up being blamed. The charge against me of assaulting Joardar is a complete lie," Pradip said. "No donation was demanded from Joardar or anyone else."

Local BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar said the charge was aimed at maligning the party.