A comprehensive analysis of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that 1,644 of the 8,337 candidates contesting in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have criminal cases registered against them, including allegations of murder, attempted murder, crimes against women, and hate speech

The Lok Sabha election in India is nearing its conclusion. Before the sixth and seventh phases on 25 May and 1 June, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has carried out an analysis, which shows that 1,644 of the 8,337 candidates contesting in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have criminal cases registered against them.

Of these candidates, 1,188 face serious criminal charges, including allegations of murder, attempted murder, crimes against women, and hate speech.

Here is a phase-by-phase analysis.

Phase 1: 19 April

In phase 1, out of 1,618 candidates analysed, 252 have criminal cases and 161 serious criminal cases.

According to the ADR, seven candidates face murder charges, while 19 are involved in attempted murder cases. Eighteen candidates have declared cases of crimes against women in their affidavits, with one facing a rape charge under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Another 35 candidates are linked to cases of hate speech.

Phase 2: 26 April

In the second phase, 1,192 candidates were analysed with 250 of them facing criminal charges and 167 serious criminal cases. Three candidates face murder charges, while 24 are involved in attempted murder cases, the report revealed.

Twenty-five candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women, with one facing rape charges under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The analysis revealed that twenty-one candidates have been linked to cases of hate speech.

It also revealed that 52 per cent of the 87 seats in the second phase of seven-phase elections are ‘red alert’ constituencies. ‘Red alert’ constituencies are those where three or more candidates have declared criminal cases in their affidavits.

Phase 3: 7 May

In phase 3, out of 1,352 candidates, 244 have criminal cases and 172 serious criminal cases, 18 per cent of the total candidates in the fray.

Among the 244 candidates with criminal records, five face murder charges, while 24 have been booked for attempted murder.

In addition, 38 candidates have been linked to crimes against women, with 17 declared cases of hate speech.

Seven candidates have also declared prior convictions.

Phase 4: 13 May

Phase 4 had the highest number — of the 1,710 candidates analysed, 360 have criminal charges against them and 274 serious criminal charges.

According to the data, 17 of the 360 candidates (21 per cent) with criminal cases were convicted, 11 declared cases of murder, 30 face attempted murder charges, and 50 have criminal cases related to crimes against women, with 5 facing rape charges.

Phase 5: 20 May

Phase 5 included 695 candidates, of which 159 have criminal cases and 122 serious criminal cases. Around 18 per cent were facing serious criminal charges, including those related to murder, attempted murder, and crimes against women.

Twenty-eight of these candidates are charged with attempted murder (IPC Section 307), while four are charged with murder (IPC Section 302).

In addition, one of the 29 candidates accused of crimes against women faces rape charges (IPC Section 376). The analysis also identifies ten candidates who have given inflammatory speeches, which can incite violence and cause communal discord.

Phase 6: 25 May

In phase 6, out of 866 candidates analysed, 180 have criminal cases and 141 have serious criminal cases. Out of the total, 141 (16 per ce

Phase 7: 1 June

In phase 7, 199 out of 904 candidates face criminal charges and 151 have serious criminal cases against them. Overall, affidavits of 8,337 candidates out of a total of 8,360 candidates were analysed by the ADR.