Why is Kerala HC Granting Relief to Rapper Vedan?

Kochi, Aug 20 (NationPress) For the second consecutive day, the Kerala High Court granted interim relief to the renowned Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, widely known as Vedan. The court ruled that he should not face arrest until his anticipatory bail request in a rape case is thoroughly reviewed and resolved.

During Wednesday's proceedings, after considering the arguments presented by the complainant, the court scheduled further hearings for August 25.

In response, Vedan's legal counsel requested that the court ensure his client would not be apprehended until the final resolution of his bail application, a request that was approved.

Vedan has been accused of sexual assault by a female doctor and has been evading authorities since the allegations came to light.

The Kerala Police previously issued a lookout notice, concerned that he might try to flee the country.

The FIR filed in Kochi last month states that the complainant alleges she was sexually exploited by Vedan from 2021 to 2023.

Their relationship reportedly started when she was a medical student, and she claims that he sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions in Kozhikode, Kochi, and other locations under the guise of marriage.

The complaint also indicates that they briefly cohabited.

Additionally, she accused him of financial exploitation, stating that in 2021, as Vedan prepared to launch his debut album, she lent him ₹15,000 twice and another ₹8,300 for his train travel.

Their acquaintance began via social media; however, in 2023, Vedan allegedly ended the relationship, causing her distress and motivating her to file the complaint.

Furthermore, two additional women have since accused the rapper of misbehavior.

When the complainant's counsel highlighted in court on Wednesday that other women had also filed similar allegations against him, the court clarified that each case is independent and cannot be combined.

At the age of 25, Vedan gained popularity under the banner Voice of the Voiceless.

He made his debut in 2020 and quickly earned acclaim as a lyricist for successful films like 'Nayattu', 'Karam', and 'Manjummel Boys'.

His socially aware rap style attracted a large following throughout Kerala.

This is not his first controversy; in April, Vedan was arrested alongside eight others during a narcotics raid at his rented apartment but was later released on bail.

In a separate incident, forest officials briefly detained him after discovering a tiger’s tooth on his necklace.

Despite his growing fame, the current allegations have cast a shadow over the young rapper's career, with the court's upcoming decision on his bail application eagerly anticipated.

–IANS