At least four candidates in fray in the third phase of assembly elections have murder charges against them, data analysed by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed. The four are part of 86 candidates who have declared serious criminal cases against them.

In the 42 assembly seats going to polls in the third phase on May 25, the ADR has analysed 381 of 383 candidates in fray.

Among the candidates analysed, 26 have attempt to murder charge against them, while 28 have cases of crime against women, out of which two are rape cases. Besides, 19 of 42 assembly seats are ‘red alert’ constituencies with three or more candidates with declared criminal cases, as per ADR and Odisha Election Watch (OEW) data.

Among the list of wealthy candidates, BJD’s Champua assembly seat nominee Sanatan Mahakud stands out with assets worth more than Rs 227 crore. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, former BJD leader, who is contesting as an Independent from Ghasipura constituency, takes the second spot with total assets worth more than Rs 122 crore. He is followed by royal family member and BJP’s Nayagarh candidate Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh, with more than Rs 120 crore in assets.

In total, 126 of the 381 candidates analysed are croprepatis. While BJD has 36 crorepatis, BJP has 28 and Congress 29. Among the Indepedent candidates, 22 are crorpepatis.