Seven of 21 new Indian ministers have been charged with crimes

Attempted murder, waging war on the state, criminal intimidation and fraud are some of the charges on the rap sheets of ministers Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed to his cabinet, jarring with his pledge to clean up politics.

Seven of 21 new ministers appointed on Sunday face prosecution, taking the total in the 66-member cabinet to almost one third, a higher proportion than before the weekend expansion.

At least five people in the cabinet have been charged with serious offences such as rape and rioting. But Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said any suggestions there were criminals in the cabinet were "completely baseless".

"These are cases arising out of criminal accusations, not cases out of a crime," Jaitley said, adding that Modi had personally vetted the new ministers.

Ram Shankar Katheria was appointed junior education minister yet has been accused of more than 20 offences including attempted murder and promoting religious or racial hostility.

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, the new junior chemicals and fertiliser minister is charged with around 20 offences, including intent to wage war against India, criminal intimidation and abetting a mutiny.