A rape case against Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, has sent shockwaves through Kerala’s music and cultural scene. A young doctor filed a complaint alleging that Vedan sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2021 and 2023 across various locations in the state, including Kochi and Kozhikode. The Thrikkakara police registered an FIR late Wednesday under IPC Section 376 (rape), intensifying scrutiny on the rapper, whose provocative music has long courted controversy.
The complainant, a 28-year-old doctor, alleges she met Vedan through social media, drawn by his anti-establishment rap addressing caste and social inequality. She claims he manipulated her trust, promising a relationship, only to assault her repeatedly over two years. The accusations have polarized fans, with some defending Vedan as a targeted voice of dissent, while others demand accountability, citing the gravity of the charges.
Vedan’s legal troubles are not new. In April 2025, he was arrested in a drug case involving six grams of ganja and ₹9.5 lakh in cash, securing bail shortly after. That same month, the Forest Department detained him for possessing a leopard tooth pendant, a violation under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, from which he was also bailed out. In May, a BJP leader accused him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inciting caste divisions through songs like Kuthanthram, fueling political backlash.
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The rape allegations have amplified debates about celebrity accountability, the intersection of art and activism, and the challenges faced by Dalit artists like Vedan, whose music critiques systemic oppression. Supporters argue he’s being unfairly targeted for his outspoken views, while critics highlight his pattern of legal issues as evidence of reckless behavior. The case could reshape perceptions of Vedan’s legacy and influence discussions on gender, power, and justice in Kerala’s cultural landscape. Police are investigating, with potential charges pending further evidence.
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