Rape charges: Rapper Vedan moves Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail, claims conspiracy to defame

Kochi: Rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, has filed for anticipatory bail in the Kerala High Court following a rape complaint lodged against him by a young woman. The woman, a doctor, accused Vedan of sexually assaulting her under the pretext of marriage. However, Vedan has denied the charges, claiming the allegations are part of a conspiracy to defame him and extort money by filing cases. The complaint was filed with the Thrikkakara Police.

Vedan's defence

In his anticipatory bail plea, Vedan refuted the assault allegations, stating that the relationship between him and the complainant was consensual. He further argued that even if the allegations were true, the sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – particularly Sections 376 and 376(2)(n) – were not applicable in this case. According to Vedan, the relationship was consensual, and the complaint was filed only after the relationship ended.

Vedan also claimed that a group led by a woman was attempting to trap him and extort money by filing false allegations. He suggested that this was not an isolated case but part of a broader conspiracy to defame him.

Vedan’s plea to the Court

In his petition, Vedan said that both he and the complainant were adults and aware of the consequences of their actions. He explained that the incident occurred after they had met as a fan and a celebrity, and their relationship later became close.

He added that allegations of assault by promise of marriage were often misused in such cases where personal relationships broke down. According to Vedan, such allegations should not automatically be classified as rape under the law.

Vedan emphasised that he has no criminal record and has always cooperated with authorities in any investigation. He also stated that there was no need for custodial interrogation, since he was ready to fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.

Vedan's legal team mentioned that they were unable to submit the First Information Report (FIR) or other related documents at the time of filing the anticipatory bail application, as the police had not provided these documents.