Malayalam rapper Vedan has been booked for rape after a young doctor in Kerala alleged repeated assault under false promises of marriage. The Dubai-based artist denies the charges, claiming it’s a planned smear campaign. The case has sparked debate on influencer accountability and consent.
Popular Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, widely known by his stage name Vedan, has been booked on serious rape charges following a complaint filed by a young doctor from Kerala. The artist, who is currently based in Dubai, is now at the center of a police investigation after the alleged victim accused him of repeated sexual assault under false promises of marriage.
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According to the complaint filed with Thrikkakara police in Ernakulam district, the doctor alleges that her interactions with Vedan began around 2020–2021 through Instagram. Over time, their communication developed into a relationship, with Vedan reportedly assuring her of marriage. The complainant claims that the first incident of sexual assault took place at her private flat in Kozhikode.
She further alleges that multiple non-consensual sexual encounters occurred between August 2021 and March 2023, both in Kozhikode and Kochi. During this period, the doctor says she financially supported Vedan, transferring him around ₹31,000 and even booking his travel tickets.
The case has been registered under Section 376 (2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to repeated rape on the same person—a charge that carries serious legal consequences if proven.
Following the media coverage and public attention, Vedan broke his silence, stating that the accusations were fabricated and part of a planned attempt to ruin his reputation. In a strongly worded statement, he indicated that he will approach the Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail and claimed to possess digital proof disproving the allegations.
He has not been arrested as of now, and investigations are ongoing.
This is not the first time Vedan has faced public scrutiny. The rapper, known for his anti-caste, political lyrics, and street-style rap, was previously accused of misconduct during the height of the #MeToo movement in South India. At the time, multiple women anonymously accused him of inappropriate behavior, leading to a wave of criticism. Though Vedan publicly apologized, critics noted the apology lacked accountability and failed to acknowledge the emotional toll on the victims.
In a separate incident earlier this year (April 2025), he was arrested in Kochi for possessing cannabis and a leopard tooth pendant—the latter being a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. He was later released on bail in that case.
This new development adds to the ongoing debate around power dynamics in relationships, consent, and accountability—especially when it comes to public figures in the creative industry.
This case once again highlights how fame and influence do not exempt public figures from accountability. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on the evolving intersection of celebrity culture, legal justice, and social responsibility in India’s modern media landscape.
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