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Kohima, Feb. 16: Assam Rifles today seized Rs 1 crore from a Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate at Longleng.
Longleng superintendent of police Rajashekaran said around 10.15 this morning, a chopper landed at the Assam Rifles helipad without permission. Security personnel at the helipad questioned a man who was later identified as Nyemli Phom from Tamlu Assembly constituency in Longleng district. After thorough checking of his bag, Rs 1 crore was recovered with an authorisation letter from the NPF treasurer. Phom claimed the money belonged to the party.
After Assam Rifles personnel reported the matter to election observers, flying squads, police, district administration and bank officials, the amount was seized and deposited in the government treasury at Longleng.
Rajashekaran said the currency notes were thoroughly checked by bank officials and found to be genuine. He said a case has been registered in this connection at Longleng.
Nagaland PCC said Phrenyümo, the NPF treasurer, had dispatched the amount to Nyemli Phom, party candidate of Tamlu Assembly constituency. “The action of NPF in distributing huge sums of money to their candidates in their chartered helicopter is in violation of the model code of conduct,” general secretary (administration), Medokul Sophie, said.
Congress has asked the authorities to seize the chopper, disqualify the candidate for violation of the model code of conduct and take necessary action against NPF. The Congress has claimed that NPF has started delivering money through choppers to escape checking by the police and election observers on the road.
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