Troubles Mount: Kerala Rapper Vedan Faces Serious Sexual Assault Allegations

In a significant development shaking Kerala’s cultural landscape, popular rapper and lyricist Hirandas Murali, widely known by his stage name Vedan, has been booked in a sexual assault case. The Kerala Rapper Vedan allegations stem from a complaint filed by a young doctor, accusing him of engaging in sexual relations multiple times under the false promise of marriage. This recent legal action adds another layer of controversy to the artist’s already turbulent public image.

Unpacking the Latest Kerala Rapper Vedan Allegations

According to police confirmations, the formal complaint was lodged by a doctor who alleged that Murali, between August 2021 and March 2023, repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her under the pretense of marriage. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (or Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code if the incidents predate BNS enactment, with BNS Section 69 being specifically applicable to sexual intercourse under false promise of marriage). Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is actively underway, though as of recent reports, Vedan has not yet been formally questioned or arrested in connection with this specific case.

Key aspects of the current Kerala Rapper Vedan allegations include:

• Complainant: A young doctor who met Vedan as a fan, leading to a developing relationship.
• Period of Alleged Incidents: From August 2021 to March 2023.
• Nature of Allegation: Sexual relations under the false promise of marriage.
• Additional Claims: The complainant also stated she had lent Vedan money on multiple occasions and experienced depression following his alleged abrupt withdrawal from the relationship in July 2023. Her decision to file the complaint was reportedly triggered by a recent public declaration from Vedan about being in love for the first time, along with revelations from another woman about similar experiences.

A Pattern of Kerala Rapper Vedan Allegations?

This is not the first instance where the rapper has faced accusations of sexual misconduct. In 2021, during the widespread #MeToo movement, several women came forward with similar allegations against him. At that time, Vedan issued a public apology via a Facebook post. However, survivors from those previous incidents have since stated that he never personally apologized to them, a sentiment that resurfaces now. The current case, however, marks a more severe legal escalation, moving from public accusations to formal police charges.

Beyond the Music: Vedan’s Broader Legal Entanglements

Beyond the serious sexual assault claims, Vedan has been entangled in other legal woes that have drawn significant media attention and public debate. His recent legal history includes:

• Drug Possession: In April 2025, Vedan was arrested along with eight others from an apartment in Kochi for alleged possession of six grams of ganja. He was later released on bail.
• Wildlife Protection Act Violation: Shortly after his drug-related arrest, he was booked by the Forest Department for possessing a leopard-tooth pendant, which he claimed was a gift from a fan. This non-bailable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act further complicated his legal standing, though he was subsequently granted bail in this matter as well.
• Defamation Complaint: In May 2025, a BJP leader in Kerala also filed a complaint against Vedan, accusing him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promoting caste division through his lyrical content.

These series of incidents paint a complex picture of the artist, whose life off-stage has increasingly overshadowed his professional contributions.

The Artist and His Impact Amidst the Kerala Rapper Vedan Allegations

Despite the mounting Kerala Rapper Vedan allegations and legal challenges, Vedan has been a prominent figure in Kerala’s hip-hop scene, known for his socially and politically charged lyrics. He rose to prominence with his 2020 debut, “Voice of the Voiceless,” a powerful critique of caste oppression and state apathy. He followed up with “Bhoomi Njaan Vaazhunnidam,” a track that further solidified his reputation as a voice for the marginalized. Notably, “Bhoomi Njaan Vaazhunnidam” was recently incorporated into the BA Malayalam Fourth Semester syllabus at Calicut University, placed in a comparative literature module exploring music as a medium of protest alongside global anthems like Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us.”

Vedan has also contributed his lyrical and vocal talents to several acclaimed Malayalam films, including the recent blockbuster “Manjummel Boys” (2024), “Nayattu” (2021), and “KARAM” (2023). His artistic contributions have often garnered critical acclaim, making the current legal troubles a stark contrast to his public artistic persona.

The ongoing investigation into the sexual assault case will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it carries significant implications not only for Vedan’s career but also for broader discussions surrounding accountability in the cultural and entertainment industries. The outcome will clarify the path forward for both the complainant seeking justice and the artist facing grave accusations.