Malayalam Rapper Vedan Booked For Rape On A Complaint By Young Doctor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Malayalam rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, known by his stage name Vedan, has been accused of rape by a young doctor who alleged in a police complaint that he sexually abused her under the pretext of marriage.

The Thrikkakara police in Ernakulam district filed the case after the complainant approached the deputy commissioner of police on Wednesday night. The police recorded the woman's statement. Police stated that they are verifying the details and would proceed with further action based on the findings.

The incidents mentioned in the complaint reportedly occurred a few years ago. Thrikkakara was identified as one of the locations where the alleged abuse took place, leading to the case being registered with the Thrikkakara police.

Sources close to Vedan said the rapper will face the complaint legally.

In May, a woman leader of the BJP had filed a complaint against the rapper, accusing him of defaming PM Modi in a song. She also alleged that Vedan was promoting caste-based division through his music.

Many believe that his songs highlight caste discrimination, particularly in Kerala. They say the Sangh Parivar, which is laboriously building a "Vishal Hindu Unity", finds it detrimental to their objective.

Through his music, Vedan addresses issues of caste discrimination, bonded labour system, deprivation and the denial of rights due to untouchability, which were once prevalent in Kerala society. Many also believe that the anger suppressed in society against anti-social and caste based customs is manifesting through Vedan's performances, creating a sense of rebellion.

However, the Sangh Parivar organisations contend that Vedan is attempting to promote violence by addressing caste issues. Recently, Madhu , the editor of ‘Kersari’, the Sangh Parivar's mouthpiece, stated that anti-national forces are behind Vedan and that he intends to spread chaos in the name of caste thereby destabilising the country.

In the same speech, he made unfounded allegations against Muslims, prompting the Kerala police to file a case against him.

While Left parties, led by the CPM, and the Congress have supported Vedan, BJP and Sangh outfits have unleashed a campaign against him on social media.

In April Vedan and eight others were arrested after 6 grams of ganja were recovered from their apartment in Kochi. After coming out on bail, the rapper expressed regret for using drugs and narcotics.

The CPM led state government has backed him fully and even organised his performance as part of the government's fourth anniversary celebrations.