Famous Indian Rapper Hirandas Murali aka Vedan Booked For R*PE On False Promise Of Marriage

The Malayalam entertainment industry has been rocked by serious allegations against one of its most controversial and outspoken artists, rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan. A woman, who is a practicing doctor, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) accusing Vedan of repeatedly sexually assaulting her under the false promise of marriage. According to the complaint, the incidents occurred over a span of nearly two years, from August 2021 to March 2023.

The FIR was registered by the Thrikkakara police in Kochi, and an investigation is currently underway. While Vedan has not yet been formally arrested or interrogated in connection with the allegations, the case has already generated widespread media attention due to the gravity of the charges and Vedan’s already controversial public image.

The complainant alleges that Vedan lured her into a relationship with repeated assurances of a future together, eventually engaging in sexual activity that she later realized was manipulative and non-consensual. She further states that the emotional trauma she experienced led to a significant decline in her mental health. The woman has also reportedly provided medical records and communication history as part of her complaint, which is being verified by the authorities.

This is not the first time Vedan has faced legal trouble. Just a few months ago, in April, he was arrested after police raided his flat in Tripunithura, a suburb of Kochi, and found six grams of cannabis along with around ₹9.5 lakh in cash and multiple mobile phones. Vedan reportedly admitted to using the cannabis for personal consumption. Though the quantity of drugs was small and the offense bailable, the arrest nonetheless drew attention to his personal conduct.

Shortly after the drug-related arrest, he was once again taken into custody, this time by the Forest and Wildlife Department for possession of a leopard tooth pendant. Possessing body parts of protected wildlife species is a criminal offense under the Wildlife Protection Act in India, and in this case, it made the crime non-bailable. Vedan claimed the pendant was a gift from a fan abroad and insisted he had no idea it was illegal.

Following these arrests, public opinion became increasingly polarized. Some viewed the enforcement actions as excessive and possibly targeted, citing Vedan’s outspoken criticism of caste discrimination and systemic inequality in Kerala. His music, often laced with politically and socially charged lyrics, had drawn both praise and controversy since his breakout track “Voice of the Voiceless” was released in 2019. The track, and his subsequent work, highlighted caste oppression, marginalization, and state violence, making him a symbol of protest rap in Malayalam culture.

However, others believed Vedan’s actions reflected a growing disregard for the law and societal norms. His performance at a state-sponsored event was canceled following the arrests, although he later addressed a crowd, expressing regret for his actions and advising fans not to emulate his lifestyle. The rapper claimed he had learned from his mistakes and wanted to move forward with a more responsible image.

Vedan’s legal woes further deepened when a local political leader filed a complaint against him, accusing him of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promoting casteism through his lyrics. This complaint, although not criminally pursued with the same intensity, added fuel to ongoing debates around Vedan’s influence and the potentially provocative nature of his content.

Now, with the rape case coming to light, the situation has taken a far more serious turn. Legal experts indicate that if proven guilty, Vedan could face significant prison time under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The fact that the victim is a highly educated woman has added another layer of attention to the case, breaking the stereotype of who typically comes forward in such situations.

The woman, reportedly shaken by the media attention and online backlash, has requested police protection. She maintains that she filed the complaint only after long deliberation and after seeing similar cases emerge in public discourse. Her courage in coming forward has been acknowledged by many women’s rights groups, who argue that the entertainment industry often shields powerful men from accountability.

While police continue to gather evidence and question individuals linked to both the complainant and the accused, several artists and civil society figures have begun to weigh in. Some argue that Vedan, a vocal critic of caste privilege, is being unfairly targeted due to his background and political stance. They point out that public figures from more privileged castes and communities often evade scrutiny even when found in similar or worse situations.

Others insist that a person’s social activism or artistic merit should not exempt them from legal and moral responsibility. They argue that the charges must be investigated objectively and thoroughly, regardless of the accused’s caste, fame, or ideological leanings.

The Malayalam music and film community is reportedly divided. Some colleagues have offered guarded support, waiting for the legal process to unfold. Others have distanced themselves, emphasizing the importance of respecting the victim’s testimony and allowing due process to take its course. Industry insiders also report that Vedan’s collaborations and future projects are likely to be put on indefinite hold.

Criticism of Vedan is not new. As early as 2021, anonymous allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him on social media during India’s #MeToo movement. Though those claims were never formally investigated, they have resurfaced in light of the current FIR. Many are now questioning whether the previous allegations should have been given more weight at the time.

Supporters of Vedan argue that the timing of the allegations, so soon after his rising popularity and political activism, is suspicious. They suggest that institutional forces may be using legal mechanisms to silence an artist who dares to speak out against oppression. However, critics dismiss such theories as distractions and emphasize the importance of centering the victim’s experience.

The broader implications of this case are significant. It brings into focus how fame and power can be misused in intimate relationships. It also tests the Indian legal system’s ability to fairly investigate cases involving celebrities. Moreover, it challenges the entertainment industry to examine its response to serious allegations of abuse and whether it provides a safe space for women.

For now, Vedan has not publicly commented on the latest accusation. His social media accounts remain silent, and his legal representatives have yet to issue a formal statement. Given the seriousness of the allegation, it is expected that the police will soon summon him for questioning. Whether or not he is arrested will depend on the outcome of the initial investigation and the strength of the evidence provided.

The case continues to evolve, and its outcome will likely have a lasting impact on how abuse allegations are handled in India’s entertainment circles. At a time when movements for justice, equity, and transparency are gaining traction globally, this case serves as a reminder of the complex intersection of art, activism, and accountability.

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