The police in eastern Nagaland’s Longleng district seized more than Rs.1crore from a Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate on Saturday after the chopper he was travelling in landed on an Assam Rifles helipad without prior information.

Specific to the Northeast, Assam Rifles is one of the world’s oldest paramilitary forces.

Police officials said Nyemli Phom, the NPF candidate for Tamlu assembly seat, produced an authorisation letter from the party treasurer saying the money was meant for the NPF’s activities during the election period.

“Assam Rifles officials quizzed Phom for landing on their helipad without intimation. They informed the local authorities and the police along with Election Commission observers and a special flying squad found R1crore in his possession,” superintendent of police Rajashekhara said from district headquarters Longleng.

The cash, he added, has been kept in various branches of nationalised banks in Longleng town.

Nagaland chief electoral officer J Alam said a detailed report from the Longleng deputy commissioner was being awaited.

In Nagaland, votes are allegedly bought with cash and other inducements that vary from a bottle of expensive whisky and pork to SUVs.