A total of 122 candidates contesting in the second phase of Jharkhand elections have declared serious criminal cases against them, according to a report.

Jharkhand Choice Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyzed the affidavits of 522 out of 528 candidates contesting in Phase II of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections. A total of 38 constituencies will go to polls in the second phase. There are 81 Assembly constituencies in Jharkhand.

Of the 522 candidates analyzed, 148 (28%) declared criminal cases. Among the major parties, 14 (44%) of the 32 BJP candidates, 8 (33%) of the 24 BSP candidates, 5 (25%) of the 20 JMM candidates, 5 (42%) of the 12 Congress candidates, 4 (67%) of the 6 AJSU Party candidates and 2 (100%) of the 2 RJD candidates declared criminal cases in their affidavits.

A total of 12 candidates have pleaded guilty to crimes against women. Among them, one candidate faces a charge of rape (IPC Section 376), while three candidates have pleaded guilty to charges of murder (IPC Section 302). Thirty-four candidates declared cases of attempted murder (IPC Section 307, NBS Section 109).

Out of the 38 constituencies, 28 (74%) are classified as “red alert” constituencies, where three or more candidates in the contest have declared criminal cases.

Elections in Jharkhand are being held in two phases. The first phase took place on November 13, and the second phase will take place on November 20. The results will be announced on November 23.