18 February 2013 Last updated at 05:40 ET

India Nagaland minister detained for carrying cash and arms

Home Minister Imkong L Imchen is yet to make any comments

A minister in the north-eastern Indian state of Nagaland has been detained for allegedly carrying "a large amount of cash", alcohol, arms and ammunition in his car, officials said.

Home Minister Imkong L Imchen was on his way to his constituency, Koridanga, when he was detained.

Mr Imchen is yet to make any comments.

Elections for the Nagaland assembly are due on 23 February and strict checking is being carried out to prevent any irregularities by candidates.

Correspondents say in the past, political parties and candidates have often offered cash or alcohol as incentives to voters during an election.

The Election Commission has issued strict guidelines to political parties and candidates asking them not to carry huge amounts of cash and to do all their transactions through banks.

The commission has also appointed a team of officers to keep a check on illegal money and other inducements being offered to voters.