Kochi: Kerala rapper Vedan, born Hirandas Murali, has secured anticipatory bail from the High Court in a case accusing him of sexually exploiting a woman under the promise of marriage. The court, while granting relief with conditions, directed him to present himself before the investigating officer on September 9.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who heard the plea, noted that the case was filed by the Thrikkakara police following the woman’s complaint. Vedan had been on the run since the case was registered, though the court had earlier restrained police from arresting him until a final decision was made.
Defending himself, Vedan maintained that the relationship was consensual, claiming that differences later led the complainant to frame it as rape. His counsel argued that though he had once intended to marry her, the relationship broke down, raising doubts about whether consensual intimacy could be equated with rape.
The survivor countered that she delayed filing the complaint due to depression. However, Vedan’s lawyer highlighted that she continued working during this period, questioning the claim of mental distress.
The court reminded the survivor’s counsel to restrict arguments to legal issues, cautioning that opinions from social media, fans, or the general public should not be brought into judicial proceedings.
