Even in God’s own country – Kerala - which is rated high for grass root democracy and political awareness, parties have fielded candidates who stand accused of serious crimes including rape and murder.

An analysis of the affidavits filed by candidates for the assembly polls has revealed that 28% of them have criminal cases registered against them. The survey by Kerala Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms [ADR] has picked details from the affidavits of 1125 out of the 1203 candidates; while details about others were unavailable.

The survey found that 138 candidates [12%] were accused of serious criminal cases including murder, attempt to murder, rape, kidnapping, dacoity and crimes against women.

Four candidates have declared that they are facing charges of murder under section 302 of the IPC; 19 to attempt to murder under Section-307 IPC while 11 candidates have declared that they are facing charges related to crimes against women.

Shajahan S, an Independent candidate from Parassala is the lone candidate facing charges of Rape (Section-376 IPC).

Beside the state has 48 red alert constituencies with 3 or more candidates with declared criminal cases.

Kerala goes to polls on May 16 to elect 140 members for the Legislative Assembly.