A rap concert by Kerala artist Vedan descended into chaos on Sunday evening, May 18, when a massive crowd surge at Kotta Maithanam in Palakkad left at least 15 fans injured. The event, part of the Kerala government’s fourth anniversary celebrations, saw gates shut by 6:00 PM due to overwhelming attendance. However, with the show starting two hours late, frustration boiled over, leading to a stampede-like situation. Police were forced to resort to lathi charges to control the agitated crowd.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic near the stage, with several attendees fainting from breathlessness and exhaustion. Fortunately, emergency medical teams were quick to respond, and all injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals. None of the injuries have been reported as critical.
Tensions further escalated when a clash reportedly broke out between police and event organizers over mismanagement of the crowd. Authorities have since sealed off the concert venue and diverted traffic to manage the aftermath.
Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, rose to fame in 2020 with his hit “Voice of the Voiceless” and is celebrated for his socially charged lyrics and electrifying stage presence. The incident has now sparked serious concerns over crowd control measures at large-scale public events in Kerala.
