Daijiworld Media Network- Kochi

Kochi, Jul 31: Malayalam rapper and lyricist Hirandas Murali, popularly known by his stage name Vedan, has been booked on charges of rape following a complaint lodged by a doctor. The woman has alleged that the rapper sexually assaulted her multiple times between August 2021 and March 2023 under the false pretext of marriage.

Thrikkakara police in Ernakulam registered the case on Wednesday night after the complainant recorded her statement with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kochi City. According to officials, further verification of the complaint is currently underway, and Vedan has not yet been taken into custody or questioned.

The complainant, a medical professional, stated that she first met Vedan as a fan, and their interactions eventually led to a personal relationship. She claimed that during this time, she was subjected to repeated sexual abuse based on promises of marriage that were never fulfilled.

Significantly, this is not the first time Vedan has faced such allegations. During the #MeToo movement, similar accusations had surfaced, although no formal police complaint was registered then.

Police have filed a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) since the incidents reportedly occurred before the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Vedan has often found himself at the centre of controversy. On April 28, 2025, he was arrested by Hill Palace police in Kochi along with eight others after six grams of ganja were allegedly recovered from his residence. Although he was granted bail, he was soon re-arrested by the Forest Department for allegedly possessing a leopard-tooth pendant—an offense under the Wildlife Protection Act. He was again released on bail.

More recently, in May 2025, a BJP leader filed a complaint against Vedan, accusing him of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promoting caste division through the lyrics of his songs.
Investigations into the current case are ongoing.